LEWIS Crocker and Paddy Donovan went face to face in an official capacity in Belfast this afternoon ahead of their highly-anticipated March 1 clash. Even though the bout will take place in Belfast’s SSE Arena, Limerick’s Donovan reckons he’ll have the lion’s share of the support.
“What I’m saying to you is I’ll have more support. You [the fans in attendance] like me more. I’m more liked in Belfast than you are. We’ve heard a lot of stories about you,” Donovan cryptically offered as the temperature rose.
Those comments came as retorts to Crocker’s accusation that Donovan, 14-0 (11 KOs), had tried to turn the main event into a cross-border affair, which Paddy denied. This is, of course, a delicate matter away from the boxing ring.
Hailing from the Sandy Row area of Belfast, Crocker reiterated that he represents every corner of his city, similar to the generational standard bearer Carl Frampton.
“See, Paddy wants to make the thing that it’s north vs south, which it’s not at all. It’s Belfast vs Limerick. I represent all of Belfast, every community from Belfast. I’m a proud Belfast man. He thinks it’s going to be a split thing. Alright, you’ll bring up your fans, but I’ll sell out.”
The trainers also got involved, much to promoter Eddie Hearn’s enjoyment. Scotland’s Billy Nelson in Crocker’s corner and former world champion Andy Lee, from Limerick, like his fighter, each had a few spiky comments to throw into the melting pot as their respective fighters prepare to go through one another in order to ascend to world level.
Far from north vs south, Lee tagged the bout as a celebration for Irish boxing, where the winner will move up to represent Ireland on the world stage. 28-year-old Crocker, 20-0 (11 KOs), feels his extra experience of topping big cards will be a bonus.
“I think the major difference is in this fight between me and him it will be my sixth time headlining,” roared ‘The Croc’.
“I felt more pressure against [Tyrone] McKenna than I do against him. This is his first time at the big time. 14 fights, I’ve been way more professional rounds.”
“14 fights? Who have you fought at 14 fights? Where were you ranked when you had 14 fights?” scoffed Donovan.
“You were between England and Scotland, hiding until your 16th or 17th fight. That’s where you are. Listen, on the night, I’ll have more support there than you.”
