Northern Ireland`s main football stadium, Windsor Park, is still a strong contender to host the upcoming rematch between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan.
According to a report by BBC Sport NI, September 20th is being considered as a possible date. Promoter Matchroom Boxing, the Irish Football Association (IFA), and Northern Ireland’s Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, are reportedly all eager for the event to take place.
A crucial meeting with Minister Lyons is planned for today (Thursday), followed by more discussions with the IFA later this month; the IFA is reportedly keen to host the welterweight fight. Previously, concerns about finances suggested the rematch might have to remain indoors, potentially at the SSE Arena. The BBC report indicated that around 16,000 spectators would be necessary for the event to be financially viable, a substantial increase from the 8,000 attendees at the initial fight in Belfast`s SSE Arena in March.
Their initial encounter on March 1st saw Belfast`s Crocker (20-0, 11 KOs) inflict the first loss of Limerick`s Donovan`s career (12-1, 9 KOs) via a contentious ninth-round disqualification. This occurred despite Donovan seemingly dominating large parts of the fight, which was promoted as an IBF welterweight title eliminator.
In May, the IBF mandated an immediate rematch, partially supporting a protest lodged by Donovan’s corner. They contended that referee Marcus McDonnell`s ruling – following point deductions in the sixth and eighth rounds and a final foul for hitting after the bell – was excessively severe. Although their request for the fight result to be changed to a no-contest was denied, considerable interest persists for a second clash.
The victor of the rematch could potentially challenge Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis for the IBF welterweight championship. However, rumors suggest Ennis might vacate the title and move up to super-welterweight later this year. Crocker is currently ranked number one, with the number two position vacant and Donovan two spots lower. If Ennis does give up his belt, the IBF might order the two Irish boxers to compete for the vacant championship.
