LIMERICK, Ireland (March 27, 2025) – The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has granted the appeal filed by Team Donovan regarding the controversial disqualification of Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan in the eighth round of his March 1^st International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Welterweight Title Eliminator against Lewis Crocker at SSE Arena (Odyssey Arena) in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Donovan appealed to prevent Crocker from fighting for the IBF World Welterweight Title and ordering an immediate rematch between the two boxers as the IBF World Welterweight Title Eliminator.

Keith Sullivan, Donovan’s co-manager with trainer Andy Lee, is a New York City-based lawyer who manages multiple fighters, said, “I am very happy that the IBF agreed with my arguments and evidence, they made the right decision under the rules. The rematch will be even bigger than the first fight. The crowd and fans around the globe absolutely loved it; the atmosphere in the arena was electric. It was a great promotion put on by Matchroom and it is unfortunate it ended as it did, but now Paddy will set the record straight and continue his quest for a world title.”

Donovan was dominating Crocker after eight rounds. The judges scored the first seven rounds 69-63, 69-63 and 67-65. He knocked Lewis down earlier in the eighth round with a right hook. Moments later, the Limerick fighter was shockingly disqualified by referee Marcus McDonnell for hitting Lewis, who was trapped on the ropes, a mere fraction of a second after the bell sounded to end the round. Donovan threw the unintentionally late punch because he was unable to immediately hear the bell over the 8,000 raucous fans screaming at what appeared to be a major victory for Donovan, in addition to the referee not adequately performing his ring duties.

The timekeeper’s 10-second warning was not audible on any of the multiple videos recorded by DAZN, the broadcaster of the event, and submitted by Sullivan. Since the timekeeper never rang the 10-second bell, referee McDonnell never shouted the customary 10-second warning and never positioned himself near the fighters to give the visual indication to them that the round was nearing the end and to be ready to separate the two at the bell. This positioning was especially needed for safety reasons because Donovan was seriously damaging Crocker by throwing a rapid series of blistering combinations.  Oddly, the referee walked backwards away from the two fighters during the final 10 seconds of the round instead of positioning himself close enough to step between the two fighters as the bell sounded. He never called time or yelled stop at the bell and appeared himself to be caught off guard when the bell rang.

The appeal also noted that throughout the fight Crocker had hunched forward and led with his head towards Donovan, placing his head in the open space between the fighters. With 40 seconds remaining in the eighth round, the referee called time out and deducted a second point from Donovan, even though multiple videos and still pictures showed nothing warranting a penalty under the rules and regulations. At no point in time was Crocker warned, let alone deducted a point for leading with his head.

The lengthy appeal submitted by Donovan’s co-manager and lawyer, Keith Sullivan, cited the applicable rules of both the IBF and ABC (Association of Boxing Commissions), provided multiple video angles, still photos, an expert referee opinion, and a statement from Donovan himself to demonstrate Crocker’s dubious tactics, and the referee’s errors throughout the bout. Sullivan argued that there was no clear evidence that Donovan intentionally committed the foul, which is a necessary requirement for a disqualification in that situation. Thus, under the rules, Donovan should have been given a warning or as much as a two-point deduction for the accidental late punch and Crocker awarded five minutes in addition to the one-minute rest period between rounds, and the fight allowed to continue. If Crocker was unable to continue, a technical decision should have been called by the referee and the winner decided on the scores as submitted through eight rounds.

“I am very proud of the support Keith and Andy provided to me during the process,” Donovan stated. “I have a great team around me. I am pleased with the outcome of the appeal. I am eager to get back in the ring to showcase my boxing abilities once again and continue on the path to a world title.”

“Thank you to President Peoples and the IBF,” Lee added. “The world saw what happened on March 1^st. We look forward to setting the record straight.”

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
AARON BOWEN 161.2 lbs v JUAN CRUZ CHACHEIRO 171.3 lbs
(Coventry, England)              (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

followed by

4 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
JACK O’NEILL 124.1 lbs v MOHAMMED WAKO 122.9 lbs
(Belfast, Northern Ireland) (York, England)

followed by

10 x 2 mins Lightweight contest
SHAUNA BROWNE 134.5 lbs v ELIF NUR TURHAN 134.9 lbs
(Clonmel, Ireland)                       (Istanbul, Turkey)

followed by

8 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
RUADHAN FARRELL 123.7 lbs v GERARD HUGHES 124.3 lbs
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)           (Ballycastle, Northern Ireland)

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

10 x 3 mins Cruiserweight contest
TOMMY MCCARTHY 199.5 lbs v STEVEN WARD 199.7 lbs
(Belfast, Northern Ireland) (Newtonabbey, Northern Ireland)

followed by

10 x 2 mins Featherweight contest
KURT WALKER 126.8 lbs v LYON WOODSTOCK 126 lbs
(Lisburn, Ireland)                  (Leicester, England) 

followed by

10 x 2 mins Featherweight contest
CRAIG RICHARDS 174.9lbs v PADRAIG MCCRORY 174.9 lbs
(Crystal Palace, England)       (Belfast, Northern Ireland) 

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FINAL ELIMINATOR
LEWIS CROCKER 146.7 lbs v PADDY DONOVAN 146.1 lbs
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)      (Limerick, Ireland)

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Boxing is buzzing right now, and there is nothing like a Belfast fight night, and on Saturday night we have one of the great, great fight nights and an incredible atmosphere. It’s a brilliant main event, a final eliminator for the IBF World Welterweight title, to put the winner in the position to fight Boots Ennis, to put them in the mix with the likes of Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, all the huge names in the sport. And it’s a brilliant undercard from top to bottom, all live and exclusive on DAZN all around the world.

“We started a conversation with the arena to have 4,000 people and those tickets when quickly sand they said we couldn’t do more. Thank you so much to the arena who have continuously pushed the boundaries so we’re now just under 8,000 full capacity, there’s less than 200 tickets left and I said to every fighter on this stage, you are going to absolutely love Saturday night, we’re going to give you a wild bight and thank you to everyone from Belfast for continuously turning up and supporting your fighters, let’s have a brilliant night on Saturday night.”Lewis Crocker:

“I’m so grateful for the support, headlining the Odyssey Arena and selling it out, that’s not possible without you guys and I’m so proud to represent the city of Belfast and in such a big fight. I said I was going to be a tough man to beat in the last press conference and that I will be.

“I’ve always said Paddy is good, he’s the next superstar and I’m only British level in his eyes, I feel that all the pressure is on him, he should be talking me out in one or two rounds if that’s the case, but I’m here to upset the party.

“We’ve prepared for everything, we’re as good as we’re ever going to be so I’m looking forward to a scrap on Saturday.

“I’m as confident as I’ve ever been, I’ll be a tough man to beat on Saturday especially with this crowd behind me, I’m super excited about Saturday, the IBF title is just around the corner and the world is at my feet when I get through this.”Billy Nelson:

“This is going to be a fantastic fight on Saturday night. Training has just been so good, the very, very best of sparring, and Lewis has been exceptional in the full camp. I don’t believe there are many Welterweights that punch harder than him in the world, and I fully expect a knockout win on Saturday.

“What people forget is that Lewis has immense boxing skill as well as power, he sometimes doesn’t show it because he’s so powerful and wants to take your head off. But we’ve changed in this camp and you will see vast improvements on Saturday night.”Paddy Donovan:

“I’m ready, I’m in the best shape of my life. I had an amazing camp and we’re here in Belfast and ready to put on a show.

“We never take any shortcuts no matter who we fight, and my camp has gone absolutely brilliantly, I’ve worked really really hard. The talking is done and I’m ready to fight.

“It’s boxing, it doesn’t matter about the crowd, when Lewis and I are in there it goes silent, I’ll be tuned in on Lewis and that’s my main goal.

“We will do what we always do, since I turned pro with Andy back in 2019, the goal was to become World champion and no matter the opponent put in front of me, Lewis or anybody else, I’ve got a job to do on Saturday and I’m very focused on getting it done, not a doubt in the world.”Andy Lee:

“This is two great fighters and you are in for a treat, their styles will match and they are going to go at it from the first bell. I’ve talked Paddy up since the day he turned pro in 2019, the first time I saw him in the national stadium, I was blown away. Everything I’ve seen since then has only confirmed that, and Saturday night will be the unveiling of the new superstar in the Welterweight division, Paddy Donovan.

“Paddy is the type of guy that thrives in the limelight, the more attention he gets, the happier he is. We’re really looking forward to this, I’ve been to these nights with Carl Frampton, Ryan Burnett, some great nights here, it’s a great boxing city, fighters are hometown heroes in this city, they get great support and that’s the way it should be. We’re in for a treat, it will be a great atmosphere and we’re ready for it, we’ve prepared mentally as well as physically, and he’s ready for that environment.

“I don’t think the fight ends by decision, whether it’s Lewis winning or Paddy winning, one of these guys is going down as they both punch very hard. I believe in my man and Billy believes in his, so we’ll see, but I think Paddy wins by knockout, I’ve envisioned, we’ve trained for it and that’s what we’re going for.”Craig Richards:

“I needed a big fight, coming off a disappointing performance from myself and not showing up, I felt like I let myself and everyone down performing the way I performed. Now I have the chance to make that right and rectify it. I’m back in the Matchroom gym now, I’ve found what I need to do to push on and compete at that world level, so I am just looking forward to Saturday night, I know it’s a passionate crowd here so I will embrace it and go and get the win.

“I’m not going to leave anything to chance on Saturday night, I’ve had a good camp, I’ve been diligent, worked really hard. I’ve been in the position before where I’ve been in someone else’s backyard or I’m not the favourite, so I know what I need to do to get the win.”Padraig McCrory:

“I fought in the same arena in November in a fight that I expected to win, and probably didn’t perform because I didn’t give my opponent enough respect. Now I am fighting Craig who has fought the best in the division and run them very close, he’s a very good fight and I was going through old tweets of mine and I had tweeted about how good he was. So full respect to him but this is the type of fight I need to get back to where I want to be. 

“I haven’t seen a crowd like this for a press conference since the Carl Frampton days, I also bring a massive crowd and it’s going to be electric, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a must-win for both of us and I’m ready to put it all on the line.”Kurt Walker:

“This opportunity has come at a good time, I had a couple of fights fall through last year and I didn’t really know what was going to happen at the start of this year, but this came and it feels like the perfect fight and opponent, and I’m ready to put on a show. 

“He feels like he has a new lease of life so he’s going to try and give it his all, people maybe don’t know me in the UK but they know me here and how good I am, so once I get the opportunity, which is Saturday night, I’ll show how good I am.”Lyon Woodstock:

“Big up the Irish fans. Since I fought Cacace and they found out I was fighting here, the love has been amazing, I didn’t expect it at all so I want to say big up to them. And big up yourself for making this fight, I’ve been waiting for this, I’ve been in the shadows for a couple of years, I’ve been on small hall shows and I’ve had to fund myself and get myself into this position here, and I’m more than ready and geared for this, I’ve been focusing on a lot of things and I’m ready to shock the people.

“I expect him to be a tough opponent. I know he’s got good feet, good boxing, but it’s nothing I’ve never seen before, it’s not my first rodeo, I’m a 12 round fighter so I am going to come and do the business. 

“It’s all on the line so I am not going to let it slip through my fingers.”Tommy McCarthy:

“It’s definitely must-win, but I will win. I’ve trained well, I’m in brilliant shape. I fell out of love with boxing for a couple of years, I was just doing it for the dough because the money was there, but now I’ve got dreams and ambitions of how I want to leave the sport and on Saturday night I want to do a job and look good doing it.

“The win is the most important thing but winning in style and in good fashion is important so people want to watch you again. So now my objective on Saturday night is to look good.”Steven Ward:

“Thanks for having me on the show, I almost thought an opportunity like this had gone, I’ve been rapping on the door and waiting so when the call came I know it’s a must-win. It’s a good fight, Tommy and I have probably sparred close to 1,000 rounds together and this is an opportunity where one of us gets to kick on. I feel like I’ve got more to give in the sport and this is my opportunity.

“There’s plenty of fights out there that I would love, Tommy and I like each other and respect each other but i cannot stress how much I want to win this fight and I will win it, because it keeps the dream alive and keeps me going.”Ruadhan Farrell:

“I think everyone in here would agree with me in saying I won the first fight, so on Saturday night he’ll be going to the canvas again. 

“Do you believe you won the fight? You didn’t win three rounds, you were lucky to get one. On Saturday night it’s over, you are going back to small hall shows. I think I’m improving, on Saturday night I think I win by stoppage.”Gerard Hughes:

“It’s a great card to be on, a massive card for Belfast and it’s all 50-50 fights that mean something. I’ve put in a great camp and I can’t wait to fight. The one thing I learned from the first fight is I need to keep my hands up! Fair play Ruadhan has had a good run since we fought, but I’ve not stopped training since that fight and I hope to go out and show my improvements. 

“I walked to you with my hands down around my balls and you didn’t get rid of me. I’m bringing the same fight on Saturday night, I know nothing else, but this time I will have my hands up!”Aaron Bowen:

“This is a massive opportunity for me, I’ve done over 200 tickets with my Irish connections and you hear about Belfast being a great night for the fights and my lot are going to be loud and I expect a war and a lot of noise from my lot.

“It wasn’t the best performance last time but the one thing about me is, I can stand and fight. I’ve got all this pedigree, I’ve boxed all around the world and I know I can box and box well, but when I have to go there I can go there. The plan is to win and look good and hopefully not get dropped, but if we do, we can stand and go and get the job done.”Jack O’Neill:

“I’m absolutely ready to go, I’ve sold over 400 tickets for this one so there’s a massive crowd coming who will make a lot of noise, and it’s a great opportunity to impress.”

Shauna Browne:

“I’m 5-0 going into what looks like a WBC eliminator and it’s a massive opportunity, I’ve studied Elif like she would have studied me but I’ve lived in the gym since coming back to boxing and there’s only one thing that’s going to happen on Saturday night and that’s me winning in devastating fashion like I do in every fight. I turn up and there will be no off-button, I will go for every round for as long as it lasts, and that’s it.

“There’s no crowd like an Irish crowd, I’ve a lot coming up from Clonmel, I’ve got amazing support and we’re going to lift the roof the SSE Arena and I believe our fight can steal the show 100 per cent, she’s coming to fight and so am I, so be ready for a show guys.”Elif Nur Turhan:

“Thank you for having us here, Shauna is a great fighter and a warrior, but I am too. We want to give everyone a good show and good fight, we’re here to fight, we’re here to win and we hope for a good win.”

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
“Boxing is buzzing right now, and there is nothing like a Belfast fight night, and on Saturday night we have one of the great, great fight nights and an incredible atmosphere. It’s a brilliant main event, a final eliminator for the IBF World Welterweight title, to put the winner in the position to fight Boots Ennis, to put them in the mix with the likes of Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, all the huge names in the sport. And it’s a brilliant undercard from top to bottom, all live and exclusive on DAZN all around the world.

“We started a conversation with the arena to have 4,000 people and those tickets when quickly sand they said we couldn’t do more. Thank you so much to the arena who have continuously pushed the boundaries so we’re now just under 8,000 full capacity, there’s less than 200 tickets left and I said to every fighter on this stage, you are going to absolutely love Saturday night, we’re going to give you a wild bight and thank you to everyone from Belfast for continuously turning up and supporting your fighters, let’s have a brilliant night on Saturday night.”

Lewis Crocker:
“I’m so grateful for the support, headlining the Odyssey Arena and selling it out, that’s not possible without you guys and I’m so proud to represent the city of Belfast and in such a big fight. I said I was going to be a tough man to beat in the last press conference and that I will be.

“I’ve always said Paddy is good, he’s the next superstar and I’m only British level in his eyes, I feel that all the pressure is on him, he should be talking me out in one or two rounds if that’s the case, but I’m here to upset the party.

“We’ve prepared for everything, we’re as good as we’re ever going to be so I’m looking forward to a scrap on Saturday.

“I’m as confident as I’ve ever been, I’ll be a tough man to beat on Saturday especially with this crowd behind me, I’m super excited about Saturday, the IBF title is just around the corner and the world is at my feet when I get through this.”

Billy Nelson:
“This is going to be a fantastic fight on Saturday night. Training has just been so good, the very, very best of sparring, and Lewis has been exceptional in the full camp. I don’t believe there are many Welterweights that punch harder than him in the world, and I fully expect a knockout win on Saturday.

“What people forget is that Lewis has immense boxing skill as well as power, he sometimes doesn’t show it because he’s so powerful and wants to take your head off. But we’ve changed in this camp and you will see vast improvements on Saturday night.”

Paddy Donovan:
“I’m ready, I’m in the best shape of my life. I had an amazing camp and we’re here in Belfast and ready to put on a show.

“We never take any shortcuts no matter who we fight, and my camp has gone absolutely brilliantly, I’ve worked really really hard. The talking is done and I’m ready to fight.

“It’s boxing, it doesn’t matter about the crowd, when Lewis and I are in there it goes silent, I’ll be tuned in on Lewis and that’s my main goal.

“We will do what we always do, since I turned pro with Andy back in 2019, the goal was to become World champion and no matter the opponent put in front of me, Lewis or anybody else, I’ve got a job to do on Saturday and I’m very focused on getting it done, not a doubt in the world.”

Andy Lee:
“This is two great fighters and you are in for a treat, their styles will match and they are going to go at it from the first bell. I’ve talked Paddy up since the day he turned pro in 2019, the first time I saw him in the national stadium, I was blown away. Everything I’ve seen since then has only confirmed that, and Saturday night will be the unveiling of the new superstar in the Welterweight division, Paddy Donovan.

“Paddy is the type of guy that thrives in the limelight, the more attention he gets, the happier he is. We’re really looking forward to this, I’ve been to these nights with Carl Frampton, Ryan Burnett, some great nights here, it’s a great boxing city, fighters are hometown heroes in this city, they get great support and that’s the way it should be. We’re in for a treat, it will be a great atmosphere and we’re ready for it, we’ve prepared mentally as well as physically, and he’s ready for that environment.

“I don’t think the fight ends by decision, whether it’s Lewis winning or Paddy winning, one of these guys is going down as they both punch very hard. I believe in my man and Billy believes in his, so we’ll see, but I think Paddy wins by knockout, I’ve envisioned, we’ve trained for it and that’s what we’re going for.”

Craig Richards:
“I needed a big fight, coming off a disappointing performance from myself and not showing up, I felt like I let myself and everyone down performing the way I performed. Now I have the chance to make that right and rectify it. I’m back in the Matchroom gym now, I’ve found what I need to do to push on and compete at that world level, so I am just looking forward to Saturday night, I know it’s a passionate crowd here so I will embrace it and go and get the win.

“I’m not going to leave anything to chance on Saturday night, I’ve had a good camp, I’ve been diligent, worked really hard. I’ve been in the position before where I’ve been in someone else’s backyard or I’m not the favourite, so I know what I need to do to get the win.”

Padraig McCrory:
“I fought in the same arena in November in a fight that I expected to win, and probably didn’t perform because I didn’t give my opponent enough respect. Now I am fighting Craig who has fought the best in the division and run them very close, he’s a very good fight and I was going through old tweets of mine and I had tweeted about how good he was. So full respect to him but this is the type of fight I need to get back to where I want to be.

“I haven’t seen a crowd like this for a press conference since the Carl Frampton days, I also bring a massive crowd and it’s going to be electric, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a must-win for both of us and I’m ready to put it all on the line.”

Kurt Walker:
“This opportunity has come at a good time, I had a couple of fights fall through last year and I didn’t really know what was going to happen at the start of this year, but this came and it feels like the perfect fight and opponent, and I’m ready to put on a show.

“He feels like he has a new lease of life so he’s going to try and give it his all, people maybe don’t know me in the UK but they know me here and how good I am, so once I get the opportunity, which is Saturday night, I’ll show how good I am.”

Lyon Woodstock:
“Big up the Irish fans. Since I fought Cacace and they found out I was fighting here, the love has been amazing, I didn’t expect it at all so I want to say big up to them. And big up yourself for making this fight, I’ve been waiting for this, I’ve been in the shadows for a couple of years, I’ve been on small hall shows and I’ve had to fund myself and get myself into this position here, and I’m more than ready and geared for this, I’ve been focusing on a lot of things and I’m ready to shock the people.

“I expect him to be a tough opponent. I know he’s got good feet, good boxing, but it’s nothing I’ve never seen before, it’s not my first rodeo, I’m a 12 round fighter so I am going to come and do the business.

“It’s all on the line so I am not going to let it slip through my fingers.”

Tommy McCarthy:
“It’s definitely must-win, but I will win. I’ve trained well, I’m in brilliant shape. I fell out of love with boxing for a couple of years, I was just doing it for the dough because the money was there, but now I’ve got dreams and ambitions of how I want to leave the sport and on Saturday night I want to do a job and look good doing it.

“The win is the most important thing but winning in style and in good fashion is important so people want to watch you again. So now my objective on Saturday night is to look good.”

Steven Ward:
“Thanks for having me on the show, I almost thought an opportunity like this had gone, I’ve been rapping on the door and waiting so when the call came I know it’s a must-win. It’s a good fight, Tommy and I have probably sparred close to 1,000 rounds together and this is an opportunity where one of us gets to kick on. I feel like I’ve got more to give in the sport and this is my opportunity.

“There’s plenty of fights out there that I would love, Tommy and I like each other and respect each other but i cannot stress how much I want to win this fight and I will win it, because it keeps the dream alive and keeps me going.”

Ruadhan Farrell:
“I think everyone in here would agree with me in saying I won the first fight, so on Saturday night he’ll be going to the canvas again.

“Do you believe you won the fight? You didn’t win three rounds, you were lucky to get one. On Saturday night it’s over, you are going back to small hall shows. I think I’m improving, on Saturday night I think I win by stoppage.”

Gerard Hughes:
“It’s a great card to be on, a massive card for Belfast and it’s all 50-50 fights that mean something. I’ve put in a great camp and I can’t wait to fight. The one thing I learned from the first fight is I need to keep my hands up! Fair play Ruadhan has had a good run since we fought, but I’ve not stopped training since that fight and I hope to go out and show my improvements.

“I walked to you with my hands down around my balls and you didn’t get rid of me. I’m bringing the same fight on Saturday night, I know nothing else, but this time I will have my hands up!”

Aaron Bowen:
“This is a massive opportunity for me, I’ve done over 200 tickets with my Irish connections and you hear about Belfast being a great night for the fights and my lot are going to be loud and I expect a war and a lot of noise from my lot.

“It wasn’t the best performance last time but the one thing about me is, I can stand and fight. I’ve got all this pedigree, I’ve boxed all around the world and I know I can box and box well, but when I have to go there I can go there. The plan is to win and look good and hopefully not get dropped, but if we do, we can stand and go and get the job done.”

Jack O’Neill:

“I’m absolutely ready to go, I’ve sold over 400 tickets for this one so there’s a massive crowd coming who will make a lot of noise, and it’s a great opportunity to impress.”

Shauna Browne:
“I’m 5-0 going into what looks like a WBC eliminator and it’s a massive opportunity, I’ve studied Elif like she would have studied me but I’ve lived in the gym since coming back to boxing and there’s only one thing that’s going to happen on Saturday night and that’s me winning in devastating fashion like I do in every fight. I turn up and there will be no off-button, I will go for every round for as long as it lasts, and that’s it.

“There’s no crowd like an Irish crowd, I’ve a lot coming up from Clonmel, I’ve got amazing support and we’re going to lift the roof the SSE Arena and I believe our fight can steal the show 100 per cent, she’s coming to fight and so am I, so be ready for a show guys.”

Elif Nur Turhan:
“Thank you for having us here, Shauna is a great fighter and a warrior, but I am too. We want to give everyone a good show and good fight, we’re here to fight, we’re here to win and we hope for a good win.”

Belfast favourite Lewis Crocker has accused Welterweight rival Paddy Donovan of underestimating him ahead of their huge all-Irish IBF World Title Final Eliminator at the SSE Arena this Saturday March 1 – shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

The Sandy Row native, who picked up two wins against Jose Felix and Conah Walker in 2024, is unbeaten since making his professional debut at Waterfront Hall back in 2017 – and the powerful Billy Nelson-trained puncher is confident of a career-best win over Limerick’s Donovan this weekend.

“I have the better resume for sure,” said Crocker. “There’s no doubt about that. Without a doubt I’m the heavier handed guy. I’m the bigger puncher in this fight. He’s definitely underestimating me. I’m not underestimating him.

“Am I going to lose against Paddy Donovan? Absolutely f***ing not. I’ve got under his skin already. He’s nervous. I’m too big, too strong. Nobody is going to stop me from getting to where I want to go.

“Paddy is accurate when he seems to knock people out and stuff. But that’s people making stupid mistakes. I know what’s going to happen on fight night. I have everything visualised. I feel so good about this.

“I’ve never given up on the dream. He’ll not be able to stop me or knock me out. For sure. I’ll fight down to the last breath. It’s going to be fireworks. I couldn’t care less about any build-up or whatever because we’re going to get in the ring and settle it like men.”

Scottish trainer Nelson, who has been in Crocker’s corner for his last six fights, believes his man’s greater firepower and experience in the professional ranks will prove the difference on the night. 

“When I first got a call regarding Lewis, I had a look up on BoxRec, watched a few videos of him,” said Nelson. “Immediately I knew that I could improve him as a fighter. We’ve been together now about 18 months, maybe 2 years. The improvement is vast.

“I think he lacked confidence. He was a long time out of the ring. Various injuries, no fights. Struggling financially because this is his only source of income. We’ve helped him.

“Paddy Donovan will get knocked out. I’m sorry but that’s what is going to happen. I truly believe that, and it could be very very early. Just watch yourself Paddy, watch yourself.”

Crocker vs. Donovan tops an unmissable night of action in Belfast, former World Title challenger Craig Richards (18-4-1, 11 KOs) takes on Belfast’s Padraig McCrory (19-1, 9 KOs) over ten rounds at Light-Heavyweight, Lisburn’s Kurt Walker (11-0, 2 KOs) clashes with Leicester’s Lyon Woodstock (16-3, 7 KOs) over ten rounds at Featherweight, Northern Irish Cruiserweights TommyMcCarthy (21-6, 10 KOs) and Steven Ward (14-3, 4 KOs) collide over ten rounds, Belfast’s RuadhanFarrell (6-1-1, 2 KOs) and Ballycastle’s Gerard Hughes (5-0-1) rematch over eight rounds at Super-Bantamweight, Clonmel Lightweight Shauna Browne (5-0, 3 KOs) fights Turkey’s Eif Nur Turhan (9-0, 5 KOs) over ten rounds, Belfast Super-Bantamweight Jack O’Neill (3-0, 1 KO) faces York’s Mohammed Wako (1-2) over four rounds and Coventry’s heavy-handed ,Middleweight Aaron Bowen kicks off the Before The Bell action in a six rounder with Argentina’s Juan Cruz Cacheiro (7-3, 3 KOs). 

Paddy Donovan says he will secure a dream shot at the IBF Welterweight World Title by spectacularly knocking out Lewis Crocker in front of his home support in Saturday’s blockbuster all-Irish showdown at the SSE Arena Belfast – shown live worldwide on DAZN.

The undefeated Limerick talent (14-0, 11 KOs) has been labelled as ‘the boxer’ by many pundits and fans heading into one of the biggest fights Ireland has seen in years, but ‘The Real Deal’ says he will give ‘puncher’ Crocker a taste of his own medicine by delivering the knockout blow.

“The Irish boxing scene has been starved for many years, especially down south,” said Donovan. “My goal is now to lead the way and lift the sport to another level. I believe I’m the fighter and the face of Irish boxing. I’m the person to do it. This is one of the best fights ever in Ireland.

“There’s more on the line than there ever has been before. This is the fight that the Irish fans demanded. It’s the pride of Ireland, who steps up into the limelight. Who gets the throne, puts their hand on the crown.

“I’m the better boxer. More skilful, punches just as hard. I’ve 80% knockout ratio and he’s 50%. Anyone that has shared the ring with me knows exactly how hard I punch. Maybe Lewis is underestimating my power, but he’ll soon find out.

“I’m the boxer. Too slick. Too skilful. Too good. I win this fight by knockout. I believe I knock him out with a well-timed punch. It’ll be to the body or to the head. I think he’ll get careless, and he’ll walk onto a shot. I believe his lights will go out. I’ll turn them out.”

Donovan’s gym mate Joseph Parker secured a stunning second-round knockout win over late stand-in Martin Bakole over the weekend on the huge Beterbiev vs. Bivol rematch in Saudi Arabia, and the 26-year-old southpaw is out to make it two big wins in a row for former WBO Middleweight World Champion Andy Lee on Saturday. 

“I’m surrounded by some of the best people in the world; Andy Lee, Joseph Parker and my father. This is a winning team and we come from a winning mentality. I’ve visualised it so many times. I’ve dreamt about it so many times. I’ve lived the fight so many times in my head. I can’t see Lewis beating me on the night. I don’t know how he is approaching this fight, to come in and fight or slug it out – I’m not sure. I just don’t see how he can beat me. I think I have the assets to beat him.

“It’s the best fight, one of the best fights ever in Ireland. It puts us in the best position to fight for the IBF World Championship. There’s no other route that was more exciting or more potentially bigger than this. Being an Irish clash, being here in Ireland, it just had the ring of being something special.”

Crocker vs. Donovan tops an unmissable night of action in Belfast, former World Title challenger Craig Richards (18-4-1, 11 KOs) takes on Belfast’s Padraig McCrory (19-1, 9 KOs) over ten rounds at Light-Heavyweight, Lisburn’s Kurt Walker (11-0, 2 KOs) clashes with Leicester’s Leon Woodstock (16-3, 7 KOs) over ten rounds at Featherweight, Northern Irish Cruiserweights TommyMcCarthy (21-6, 10 KOs) and Steven Ward (14-3, 4 KOs) collide over ten rounds, Belfast’s RuadhanFarrell (6-1-1, 2 KOs) and Ballycastle’s Gerard Hughes (5-0-1) rematch over eight rounds at Super-Bantamweight, Clonmel Lightweight Shauna Browne (5-0, 3 KOs) fights Turkey’s Eif Nur Turhan (9-0, 5 KOs) over ten rounds, Belfast Super-Bantamweight Jack O’Neill (3-0, 1 KO) faces York’s Mohammed Wako (1-2) over four rounds and Coventry’s heavy-handed ,Middleweight Aaron Bowen kicks off the Before The Bell action in a six rounder with Argentina’s Juan Cruz Cacheiro (7-3, 3 KOs). 

NEW YORK (February 11, 2025) – In arguably the greatest All-Ireland pro boxing match of all-time, undefeated Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, 11 KOs) is confident of defeating arch-rival Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (20-0, 11 KOs) in their March 1^st showdown, streaming on DAZN live from The SSE Arena (Odyssey Arena) in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Much more than Irish bragging rights will be on the line for the 26-year-old Donovan, fighting out of Limerick, Ireland, the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Champion, and Crocker (20-0, 11 KOs), the 28-year-old World Boxing Association (WBA) Inter-Continental Welterweight Champion who will be fighting at home in Belfast.

The 12-round, main event winner of the Crocker vs. Donovan IBF welterweight title eliminator will become the No. 1, mandatory challenger for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Welterweight Champion, whether that is for current world welterweight champions Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs – IBF) or Eimantas Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs – WBA), who are scheduled to fight for the unified IBF and WBA crowns on April 12 in Atlantic City.

Crocker vs. Donovan has been brewing for a long time. They are both rising stars and world ranked: Donovan at IBF #5, WBA #6 and WBC #13; Crocker at WBA #3, IBF #5 and WBO #3.

“I will best Lewis Crocker because he has never fought anyone as good as me,” Donovan proclaimed. “I have all the tools to beat him. I’ll out-box and out-fight him. I do those things, he can’t, and I’ll show that on fight night. I have visualized the fight in my head many times. I believe that in real time, seeing me punch him to either the head or body.”

Donovan hasn’t fought since this past May 25, Crocker since last June 22. Both are promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Jumaane Camero is their only common pro-opponent with both winning six-round decisions.

“If you don’t love this matchup, then you don’t like boxing,” Donovan’s co-manager Keith Sullivan commented. “Given their power, aggressive styles, and toughness, it is going to be an explosive battle between two top fighters. No boxing fan should miss this. It is going to be an epic fight and has a fight-of-the-year potential.”

Sullivan, a New York City attorney and former Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Boxing Commission, co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, who is Paddy’s head trainer as well.

“I heard Lewis say Paddy was turning this into a North versus South rivalry,” Sullivan continued. “That is not the case at all. This fight will unite, not divide, people from all over Ireland, North and South, as they cheer on their chosen man of the night. I have relations in both the North and South, trust me, this fight is not about divisiveness, it transcends politics or sectarianism. Irish fans are knowledgeable, and they know a great fight when they see one. This fight is about two warriors putting it all on the line for a shot at the title while their native cities cheer them on to victory.  

“Obviously, I see Paddy being victorious. I’ve heard all this talk about Crocker’s ‘experience’ and being a past five-time headliner. He was the main event on one card in a venue that seats a thousand. This is Paddy’s 15th professional fight, for Crocker’s 15th, 16th, and 17th fights he fought guys that had 61 combined losses. So come on, what’s all that chatter about. Paddy has no fear of Crocker’s experience. Paddy got to the level earlier in his career than Crocker did, so now a 20-0 versus a 14-0 is a great pairing for both at this stage of their careers. Don’t get me wrong, these are two talented and fierce boxers, but I believe Paddy has the edge in skill and power and he will have his hand raised in victory come March 1st.”

Donovan, a gifted southpaw, is dedicating this fight to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity that provides mental health services throughout Ireland. Paddy has lost two relatives to suicide. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide.

INFORMATION:

X (formerly Twitter): @PaddyDonovan23

Instagram: @paddy_realdeal_donovan

Facebook: /PaddyRealDealDonovan

NEW YORK (December 30, 2024) – Rising Irish boxing star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, 11 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Champion, had to withdraw from a planned “stay busy” fight in December due to a minor injury but now he’s preparing to fight his arch-rival in arguably the most anticipated Irish boxing match in history.

An All-Irish showdown between Donovan, who fights out of Limerick and trains in Dublin, and Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (20-0, 11 KOs), of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is set for March 1st. “Point of Pride” will headline a Matchroom Boxing card to be streamed live on DAZN from SES Arena in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title eliminator. As soon as two fights away, Donovan could get his world title shot, if he defeats Crocker, as the IBF mandatory challenger.

“There’s something different about a good Irish fighter and I believe I’m the next,” Donovan proclaimed. “I think having turned pro at 19 and now 25, it took many life changes since turning pro. It’s so much what I’ve learned in the gym that counts the most as it is the ups-and-downs of life – becoming a husband and father, losing loved ones – that helped me to improve. I’ve improved as a person and that helped me become a better fighter.”

A true throwback fighter, Donovan is currently rated in three of the four major sanctioning bodies: WBA #5, IBF #6, and World Boxing Council #14. He has dreamed of being a world champion since he was seven years old.

“I am in an amazing position, so I thank God for that and my team, Andy Lee (head trainer/co-manager) and (NYC-based attorney) Keith Sullivan (co-manager),” Donovan noted. “It’s great to be ranked so highly at this stage of my career, but I am ranked where I am supposed to be. To be ranked so high in three major sanctioning bodies is brilliant. I know I will not stop until I’m world champion.

“I am always in the gym and thinking about my next challenge. I’m saying it’s time. I love what I do. I’m very grateful to God for being in this position. I believe in God’s plan for me to become world champion.”

“It is going to be an explosive fight for sure,” commented NYC attorney Keith Sullivan, who co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, who is also Paddy’s head trainer. “Two tough, rugged Irishmen with a lot to prove to the world. We were concerned about the injury but feel confident that it won’t pose an issue for the March 1st battle. Paddy is locked in and training hard under the ever-watchful guidance of trainer Andy Lee.”

Donovan has dedicated his last few fights to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity that provides mental health services throughout Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide.

INFORMATION:

X (formerly Twitter): @PaddyDonovan23

Instagram: @paddy_realdeal_donovan

Facebook: /PaddyRealDealDonovan

Lewis Crocker knows that a win over Conah Walker could take him a step closer to an all-Irish blockbuster with unbeaten Limerick talent Paddy Donovan later this year.

Belfast’s Crocker (19-0, 11 KOs) clashes with Wolverhampton’s Walker (13-2-1, 5 KOs) for the WBA International Title in what promises to be an unmissable Welterweight war at Resorts World Arena Birmingham this Saturday – live worldwide on DAZN. 

‘The Croc’ beat Mexico’s Jose Felix with a devastating fifth-round knockout at Ulster Hall last time out in January, and the 27-year-old Sandy Row native is targeting another dominant performance when he takes on a resurgent Walker on away soil. 

“I always say that the end goal is a World Title,” said Crocker. “This is the perfect fight to get a world ranking and a new belt. This fight isn’t a 50-50 fight: I’m the better fighter. He’s been talking a lot of shit recently so I’m looking forward to getting the job done.

“He’s shitting himself so he is. He hasn’t fought on the big stage. He was on the top table at the press conference and he was all happy with himself. Good mate because you’re going back to the small hall shows after this. Your time is over. See you later. I’m ending the man.

“Who’s this guy talking to? Do you know what I mean? He’s won two fights in a row and he actually thinks he’s Mike Tyson. This guy would have to kill me to win this fight. I don’t know if he actually believes what he’s saying. I think he’s a bit stupid in the head. I can’t wait.

“I’m laughing at this guy already. One million percent I stop this guy. I’m too big, too strong, too smart, too fast. Get that in your head mate. You’re never beating me; ever. The fans can’t miss this fight because they can see the bad blood already. It’s going to be toe-to-toe for the get-go; there’s no doubt about it.”

Crocker, who picked up four wins from four fights in 2023, continues to thrive under the guidance of veteran Scottish trainer Billy Nelson and the heavy-handed Irishman says moving to Scotland has been a game-changer for him both inside the ring and out of it. 

“Mentally, it was important for me to come to Scotland where everything is set for me with Billy (Nelson) and all of the lads at the gym. Everything is just great over here.

“The distractions back home, it’s just drinking and partying and what not. When I didn’t have fights and stuff, everything was just going to shit. Mentally and physically, training over here has changed me as a person, inside and outside of the ring.”

Crocker vs. Walker is part of a big night of action in Birmingham, the main event sees Tyler Denny (18-2-3, 1 KO) defend his European Middleweight Title against former British and Commonwealth Champion Felix Cash (16-0, 10 KOs), slick Blyth prospect Cameron Vuong (4-0, 3 KOs) takes on late replacement Jeff Ofori (13-7-2, 4 KOs) over ten rounds at Super-Lightweight, Watford’s Shannon Ryan (7-0) and Newark’s Emma Dolan (6-0, 1 KO) create history when they become the first women to contest the British Super-Flyweight Title, with Dolan’s Commonwealth Title also on the line, Walsall Flyweight Hamza Uddin (1-0, 1 KO) has his second pro fight against Giulio Commerso (4-1,1 KO) Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (12-1, 1 KO) and Birmingham’s Kane Baker (19-11-2, 1 KO) clash over eight rounds at Lightweight, Birmingham Lightweight Ibraheem Sulaimaan (3-0, 2 KOs) looks to impress on home soil when he meets JesusGonzalez (3-1) over six rounds, Leicester Super-Bantamweight Muhammad Mustafa Ali (4-0, 1 KO) fights Kelvin Madjid over six rounds and Hamburg Heavyweight Emanuel Odiase (2-0, 1 KO) kicks off the Before The Bell action.

Lewis Crocker scored a fifth round stoppage over Jose Felix in round five of their 10-round welterweight bout in Ireland

In round three, Felix was deducted a point for low blows. In round five, Crocker landed a perfect left hook that sent Felix under the bottom rope. Felix got to his feet, but was in no condition to continue and the fight was stopped at 1:54

Crocker, who was three pounds over the 147-pound weight limit is now 19-0 with 11 knockouts. Felix, 146.6 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 40-7-1.

Cheavon Clarke remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Tommy McCarthy in a 10-round cruiserweight fight.

In round four, Clarke overwhelmed McCarthy and dropped him with a flurry. Clarke continued to pound the body and land vicious uppercuts until the fight was stopped at 1:28.

Clarke, 199.6 lbd of Gravesland, ENG is 8-0 with six knockouts. McCarthy, 199.4 lbs of Belfast, NI is 20-6.

Paddy Donovan remained undefeated with seventh round stoppage over Williams Andres Herrera in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout

In round seven, Donovan dropped Herrera with a left to the body. Donovan continued to land body shots and folded him up in the corner for a second knockdown. Donovan beat down Herrera until the fight was stopped at 1:44.

Donovan, 146.4 lbs of Limerick, IRE is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Herrera, 146.6 lbs of La Calera, ARG is 15-3.

Conah Walker stopped Lloyd Germain in round three of their 10-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Walker dropped Germain with a flurry on the ropes. Walker dropped Germain again with a left to the body. Walker ended things by dropping Germain with a right hand and the fight was stopped at 1:33.

Walker, 146.4 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 13-2-1 with five knockouts. Germain, 146.6 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 9-1.

Giorgio Visioli stopped Samuel Pikire in round two of their six-round super featherweight bout.

In round two, Visioli dropped Pikire with a perfect left cross on the chin that put him down. Pikire got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:34.

Visioli, 134.2 lbs of Guidford, ENG is now 2-0 with two knockouts. Pikire, 133.5 lbs of Longbridge, ENG is 4-3.

Kurt Walker remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Darwing Martinez in a super featherweight bout.

Walker, 133.2 lbs of Lisburn, NI won by a 60-54 score and is 10-0. Martinez, 130.6 lbs of Managua, NIC is 8-18-2.

Leli Buttigieg won a four-round decision over Artjom Spatar in a super welterweight bout.

Buttigieg, 158.5 lbs of Newham, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Spatar, 157.5 lbs of Narva, EST is 4-5.

4 x 3 mins International International Super-Welterweight contest
LELI BUTTIGIEG 158.5 lbs v ARTJOM SPATAR 157.5 lbs
(Newham, England)               (Narva, Estonia)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Super-Featherweight contest
KURT WALKER 133.2 lbs v DARWING MARTINEZ 130.6 lbs
(Lisburn, Northern Ireland)  (Managua, Nicaragua)

followed by

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
GIORGIO VISIOLI 133.2 lbs v SAMUEL PIKIRE 133.5 lbs
(Guidford, England)                (Longbridge, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA International Welterweight Title
CONAH WALKER 146.4 lbs v LLOYD GERMAIN 146.6 lbs
(Wolverhampton, England)    (Cardiff, Wales)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Welterweight Title
PADDY DONOVAN 146.4 lbs v WILLIAMS ANDRES HERRERA 146.6 lbs
(Limerick, Ireland)                     (La Calera, Argentina)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Cruiserweight Title
CHEAVON CLARKE 199.6 lbs v TOMMY MCCARTHY 199.4 lbs
(Gravesend, England)                 (Belfast, Northern Ireland)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title
LEWIS CROCKER 150lbs v JOSE FELIX 146.6 lbs
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)  (Los Mochis, Mexico)  

Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing CEO:

“Lewis [Crocker] showed back in December on the Michael Conlan undercard that he has a massive future. We’ve seen some great nights here in Belfast over the years – whether it be Carl Frampton, Mick Conlan, Ryan Burnett, and now this is a big opportunity for Lewis to step into those big nights. With Jose it won’t be easy because we saw against Gary Cully what he can do. And looking at the pictures of him from yesterday, he looks like he’s coming here to fight. You also have to applaud both fighters as this main event was made on late notice. What is key in this sport is working with professionals who are working in the gym and are ready to go at all times, which both of these have proved. I think it’s a brilliant fight. It’s exactly the fight that Lewis needs to kick on but Jose isn’t coming here to lay down. Lewis is young and he’s in a market where there’s a love and passion for boxing. We hadn’t been to Belfast for a long long time but we came back here with Mick in December and like I say this is Lewis’ chance because he’s in a place where people talk about boxing. It’s great so come somewhere where everyone is talking about the boxing at the weekend, because you don’t get that everywhere. He’s got that perfect opportunity to recreate those sold out nights in Belfast. It’s going to be a tremendous atmosphere on Saturday. This is his chance, he’s got the personality and he’ got the skills and ability. He needs a big performance on Saturday night. This can really set him up for massive fights in 2024 and beyond.”

Lewis Crocker:

“It’s amazing to be back in Belfast so soon again. I’m headlining this time. Obviously last month the atmosphere in the city was amazing, fight week was great, fight night was great – so to be doing it again so soon is unreal against a very dangerous opponent as well. He’s coming off a win over Gary Cully. He looked very good in that fight, very strong. I’m expecting fireworks on Saturday. Because it was Belfast vs. Belfast I’d grade my performance A*. It has to be. That meant everything to me. It was the pride thing, I said that during the fight week. As long as I got the victory it would have been A* regardless. To come through and do it in front of my friends and family was amazing. It put me on the map. Everything went well. With the platform of Matchroom and DAZN now everything is so different. Going into the fight week last time I realised this was the big stage. They’ve obviously got confidence in me to set me up as main event the next month. I’m not looking past Jose Felix but a big statement on Saturday sets me up for a big year. I’m expecting an exciting fight because I think he has the same mindset as me. This is a more dangerous fight than the McKenna one. With the McKenna one there was more pressure mentally. There’s just as much at stake with each and every fight. He’ll be full on confidence with the Gary Cully win and looking to make another upset in Ireland.”

Jose Felix:

“Firstly I want to say thank you to all of the people that are gathered here. I want to say thank you to God, also to Matchroom for continuing to give me these opportunities, also to Paco who manages everything for me. I also have to thank the people of Ireland for their support. It is almost as if I have more supporters in Belfast than I have in Mexico so I thank God for that also. I think this fight will be a really interesting fight because when I fought Cully it was a real battle for me to get down to that weight. The main battle I had was with making weight more than anything. This time I’m fighting at 147, I’m much more prepared and I’m hoping to put on a better show this time so that Eddie Hearn gets to see me win and gets to see that I’m the next star of Matchroom. As I said before my main problem against Cully was making the weight. This time there won’t be that pressure to make the weight. My battle was with the scales on that occasion but this time I think that will work to my advantage. I know my opponent will try to use that weight against me in the way that he can but I’m sure that I can go on and get this victory on Saturday night and put on a great show. Don’t take your eyes off this fight. You know that Crocker hits hard, I hit hard too – I think it will be a great fight. I love this city, I love these people. I feel like I’m in Mexico and I feel like I’ve got the support, so I’m very grateful to the people here.”

Cheavon Clarke:

“Where was the experienced and handsome Tommy McCarthy in your last fight. We’ll find out if he’s my biggest test to date on Saturday night. Obviously he’s been in with some good guys from the British circuit and come up short. On Saturday night we’ll find out. I’ve seen clips of him but I haven’t watched him in depth through his career to rate him. He’s talking about being fast-tracked. I’m not being fast-tracked. Who’s fast-tracking me? I’m moving at my pace. Maybe he’s moved slow in his career. I’m moving at my pace. They give me a fight, I think I can win it, I take it. The boos can’t fight for you, they ain’t gunna fight for him. What are they going to do. Like you said, as an amateur I’ve ravelled the world. I’ve been in hostile places. You’ve just got to be professional and focus on what you’ve come to do and execute. Bring the same energy Saturday, that’s all I’ll say on that. He’s a funny guy, he’s a clown. Bring the same energy on Saturday. I’m going to be smiling and laughing as I inflict damage.”

Tommy McCarthy:

“Obviously I’m the A-side because it’s Belfast. People from Belfast are coming to watch the Belfast man. It’s an attractive fight, like you say an up-and-coming prospect agains the experienced and talented and handsome Tommy McCarthy. Chev don’t worry about the last fight I just went there for the craic. This time I’ve trained properly for it. It was a last minute thing. Listen, don’t worry about the past, focus on the present. All you need to worry about is what’s happening on Saturday night. I’ve taken this fight seriously because I know you’re a serious guy. I’ve trained properly so just worry about that. The last fight, I’m not even joking, I just went there because I had nothing else to do. During that fight I was like, ‘you know what – I love this game’. I love fighting, and it just brought back a buzz for me because I hadn’t fought for like 14 months before that. That really got my passion back for boxing and got my head back in the game. I had Eddie Hearn on my podcast at the last show in Belfast and I asked him to throw me a bone. He then phoned my and asked if I wanted to fight Chev Clarke. It’s a good fight for me. The WBA Title is on the line. The winner of this fight is going to go high up in the world rankings. This is almost like a World Title Eliminator – you’re putting yourself in line for a big title fight.”

Paddy Donovan:

“I’m in a great position. Obviously with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, you couldn’t ask for any better. I’ve got to keep living up to the expectation and keep performing very well at the highest level. The opportunities are there, as you can see there are so many Welterweights here today. I’m ready to put on a big performance on Saturday and I’m glad to be back in Belfast. First of all Andy (Lee) has been there and he’s done that. He knows the road to be a World Champion and he knows it’s not easy – there’s a lot of ups and downs. Obviously I’m still a prospect with Andy. I’m still under his care. Andy can see a little bit of me in him, what he’s been through. I’ve got to just listen to Andy and observe everything that I can. Keep building in the gym, keep working and learning with Andy, keep disciplined and the world will be my oyster. We’ve got a good challenge on our hands on Saturday. Deal with that on Saturday. We’ve got May at Croke Park on the Katie Taylor undercard. I’m sure a lot of Irish fans would like to see me on that. Hopefully summer time Eddie said we could do a show in Limerick City. Why not? I’ve seen some of his fights and he’s a very durable fighter – never been stopped, 15 fights 13 wins. It’s a great test for me at this stage of my career. It’s an opportunity for me to perform again at the highest level.”

Williams Andres Herrera:

“Firstly I’d like to say thank you very much for the opportunity. I’ve just come here to compete. It’s a great opportunity for me and I just want to show that I’m at this level. I’ve seen a lot of my rival, I know that he moves well around the ring. He has great potential but we’ve come here to win and that’s what we’re coming to do. All I need to do is just study him in the ring, to watch him, to watch how he develops and how he fights, to kind of get the worst out of him.”

Conah Walker:

“I’m massively grateful. As all boxers will know, inactivity can kill you, so it’s best to be getting out and getting out so early in the year. I’ve got a test in front of me, he’s undefeated, 9-0, he’s a good talent. We’ve spoke in the past and we get on but all of that is to the side now because we’ve got to go to war and that’s that. I’m always confident, I got into the trenches every camp. Every fight from now onwards is one more step of securing a future for my family that I want. I treat every fighter and every fight the same. I prepare diligently and it is what it is. He’s never tasted defeat and i’m grateful for him stepping up but he’s got a big task on his hands. He’s never fought anyone and he’s never fought anyone like me. I’m going to win. It doesn’t matter how I’m going to win, but I will win.”

Lloyd Germain:

“Obviously I’m here for big fights and I’m grateful for the opportunity from DAZN and Matchroom. Come Saturday night I’m ready to grab the opportunity with both hands. Beating Conor is going to progress my career and I’m looking forward to doing that on Saturday night. Like he said, we’ve spoken to each other in the past, there’s not bad feelings. It’s business at the end of the day. What he’s got I want very very much. He had a great performance against Cyrus upsetting the applecart and I’ve been brought in now and I’m going to do the same for myself on Saturday.”

Giorgio Visioli:

“I’ll be real, I’ve watched my debut knockout pretty much every day. I watch the little clips on DAZN back on Instagram, I watch the YouTube full fight back and everything. It was a great experience. Watching it back I’m not too surprised I got the knockout but back then I was because in the amateurs I was more like a boxer mover – I didn’t really get the stoppages. Watching it back I realised that I’m a good fighter and I can read my opponents really easily. My reaction times were on top. I do a lot of rounds in sparring, I do eights and I do tens and I do them really comfortably. I don’t think an extra two rounds is going to be a problem for me at all.”

Leli Buttigieg:

“I’ve gained a bit of experience. I know what it’s like, first public workout, press conference and weigh-in last time. I went back to the gym and i carried on learning, working on things. Now I’m coming back to Belfast and I’m glad to be back. I’m going to put on another demolishing performance. As an amateur I flew to Russia, Ukraine – I fought abroad a lot. So coming to Belfast wasn’t really anything new to me because I’m used to this stuff.”

Kurt Walker:

“I’m happy. Big thanks to Matchroom and Conlan Boxing for getting me on the show. It’s what I want, activity. I’ve got big plans for this year. I’m looking to have big fights. I’ve been pro for two years now. I had a long long amateur career where I did good things so I’m ready to go now, I don’t want to waste time. I’m just ready to go, big fights, any opportunity I can get. I have to take my opportunities now. I’m ready to go. I need to get through this fight on Saturday obviously, I’m not overlooking my opponent. I’m looking at the likes of Hopey Price and Nathaniel Collins, all them boys. We have big plans, If I want those big fights in the summer it’s about learning too. I’m still learning. I’m trying to learn every fight. It’s just about small improvements every time for me.”

Belfast Welterweight hope Lewis Crocker makes a quick return to the ring when he takes on Mexican danger-man Jose Felix this Saturday at Ulster Hall, live worldwide on DAZN, and ‘The Croc’ is promising an explosive start to what he hopes will be his breakout year. 

Crocker (18-0, 10 KOs) is fresh from a shutout points win over local rival Tyrone McKenna at the SSE Arena last month in what was a highly anticipated showdown dubbed the ‘Battle of Belfast’ – a dominant display that has filled the 27-year-old with confidence as he prepares to headline his first ever Matchroom show. 

“The atmosphere was class that night,” said Crocker. “Losing wasn’t an option, it’s not in any fight but especially this fight. This was me all along, I just needed the big platform and I knew that I was going to put on a big performance.

“He said that he was going to make me ‘no mas’, basically quit, that I wasn’t ready for 10 rounds, that I was going to fold under the pressure. I’ve never had so much fun in a fight. You can see it, I’m smiling and laughing the whole way. It was just a great night.

“I’ve got the confidence now since my last performance that I feel like I’m here now. I think with the platform of Matchroom and DAZN I’ve got everything there that I need to be a superstar. I can’t wait to fight now, in Belfast again too – class.”

The Sandy Row native, who picked up four wins from four fights in 2023, is unbeaten since making his professional debut at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall back in 2017 – and the powerful Billy Nelson-trained puncher is hoping for an active 2024 as he looks to build towards further title opportunities in the competitive 147lbs division.

“The day I got the call I was halfway through a kebab. I thought maybe I’d have a couple of weeks off and stuff so I was just enjoying it. I got the call and here we are – back out the next month. It’s great to be out so quick again – that’s what you need. You need to be active, especially after a good performance. Being out again this Saturday is perfect. The stage is set for a huge year. Get this win and then push on for bigger and better fights as well.

“I truly believe that I’ve not hit anywhere near where I’m going to be as a fighter. I’m going to be a force to be reckoned with. Every man’s dream in boxing is to be a World Champion, so that’s the goal and that’s the dream. This is what you dream of when you start out – main event, home city, top of the bill. I can’t be stopped, I believe I will reach the very top.”

Crocker is thriving under the guidance of veteran Scottish trainer Nelson and the heavy-handed Irishman believes it is only a matter of time before he is locking horns with some of the biggest names in the Welterweight division. 

“I always knew I had to make the move from Belfast to elsewhere, just to get me in the zone and keep me focused. There’s no distractions over in Scotland. With Billy Nelson it’s the perfect set up, my last four fights since I’ve been over there with Billy – I’ve got better each and every time – fitter each time, stronger. My last fight showed that. I’m starting to reach my potential and I’m getting there. I think this year is my breakout year.

“I put my life on the line, each and every time – no problem. I’m there for a fight, every time. He likes to come and fight and so do I – let’s have it. This is why I work so hard every day. This is the year of Lewis Crocker. We’re starting 2024 with a bang

“There’s so many names at Welterweight in the UK. It’s not like I’m calling anyone out but you go through the world class names, you’ve got Conor Benn and Josh Taylor. 147 is always a popular weight – it’s only a matter of time before all of the big names start to fight each other. Hopefully I’m in that mix.”

Crocker vs. Felix headlines Matchroom’s first show of 2024, fast-rising Cruiserweight contender Cheavon Clarke (7-0, 5 KOs) faces the biggest test of his career to date when he meets Belfast’s former European Champion Tommy McCarthy (20-5, 10 KOs), Limerick Welterweight talent Paddy Donovan (12-0, 9 KOs) aims to start 2024 with a bang against Argentina’s Williams Andres Herrera (15-2, 6 KOs), Wolverhampton Welterweight Conah Walker (12-2-1, 4 KOs) returns against Cardiff’s Lloyd Germain (9-0, 1 KO) following his brilliant win over Cyrus Pattinson, Guildford prospect Giorgio Visioli (1-0, 1 KO) fights for the second time as a pro in a six-round Super-Featherweight contest with Longbridge’s Samuel Pikire (4-2), Newham’s Leli Buttigieg (1-0, 1 KO) returns to Belfast for his second pro fight against Estonia’s ArtjomSpatar (4-4, 1 KO) at Super-Featherweight and Lisburn Featherweight Kurt Walker (9-0, 1 KO) joins the card as a late addition. 

Big-punching Belfast Welterweight Lewis Crocker is looking to make it two big wins in two months when he takes on Mexican danger-man Jose Felix at the Newforge Sports Complex on Saturday January 27, live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Fresh from his shutout points win over fellow Northern Irishman Tyrone McKenna earlier this month in a fight dubbed the ‘Battle of Belfast’, 26-year-old Crocker (18-0, 10 KOs) is out to make a statement against the man who handed Naas Lightweight hope Gary Cully his first loss in the professional ranks earlier this year.
 
‘The Croc’, who picked up four wins from four fights in 2023, is unbeaten since making his professional debut at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall back in 2017 – and the powerful Billy Nelson-trained fighter is hoping for an active 2024 as he looks to build towards further title opportunities in the competitive 147lbs division.
 
Sinaloa’s Felix (40-6-1, 31 KOs) is well-known amongst Irish fight fans following his stunning upset win over Cully on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s first meeting with Chantelle Cameron at the 3Arena in Dublin back in May – and the 31-year-old nicknamed ‘Josesito’ is looking to make it two wins in a row against Irish opposition.
 
Fast-rising Cruiserweight contender Cheavon Clarke (7-0, 5 KOs) faces the biggest test of his career to date when he meets Belfast’s former European Champion Tommy McCarthy (20-5, 10 KOs), Belfast Super-Lightweight Sean McComb (18-1, 5 KOs) looks to build on his win over Sam Maxwell last time out, Limerick Welterweight talent Paddy Donovan (12-0, 9 KOs) aims to start 2024 with a bang, Guildford Lightweight prospect Giorgio Visioli (1-0, 1 KO) fights for the second time as a pro and Newham Middleweight Leli Buttigieg (1-0, 1 KO) returns to Beflast for his second pro fight. 
 
 “I’m delighted to be back out so soon,” said Crocker. “December 2^nd was my coming out party and a real special night for me, it showed I belong in big nights here in Belfast. Now it’s about building on the back of that.
 
“Thanks to Matchroom and my manager Jamie Conlan for working on this and getting me back so quick. Jose Felix showed how dangerous he is last time out in Dublin so I know how tough this can be.
 
“I’m missing out on Christmas dinner this year but on January 27^th ‘The Croc’ will feast on Mexican meat!”
 
“I am very excited to fight back in a place that has become my second home,” said Felix. “Ireland a country with great history, especially Belfast, with very demanding and knowledgeable boxing people.
 
“I would like to thank God, Paco Damian and Matchroom Boxing for this opportunity. I guarantee you that like a Mexican warrior I will leave everything inside that ring. I will see you all soon.”
 
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn said: “I’m excited to be returning to the brilliant fighting city of Belfast so soon after our epic Michael Conlan vs. Jordan Gill show earlier this month. We’ve got another cracker in store as the Belfast’s hard-hitting Lewis Crocker goes in against Mexican danger-man Jose Felix. Felix is brimming with confidence following his three-round destruction of Gary Cully in Dublin earlier this year and he will be aiming to take another Irish scalp next month. An exciting undercard sees Cheavon Clarke take the biggest step-up of his career to date when he meets Belfast’s former European Champion Tommy McCarthy. Plus there’s action for Sean McComb, Paddy Donovan, Giorgio Visioli and Leli Buttigieg. Catch all of the action live worldwide on DAZN.”
 
Ticket details will be announced soon.

Lewis Crocker stopped Artem Haroyan in round seven of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout at Ulster Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Crocker dropped Haroyan once in round sic and again in round seven, and the bout was stopped at 47 seconds.

Crocker, 146 1/4 lbs of Belfast, NI is 14-0 with eight knockouts. Haroyan, 146 1/4 lbs of Spain is 17-3-1.

Paddy McCrory stopped Celso Neves in round two of a scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round two, McCrory landed a wicked left hook on the inside that dropped Neves and the fight was over at 35 seconds.

McCrory, 168 lbs of Belfast, IRE who is 13-0 with seven knockouts. Neves, 167.2 lbs of Portugal is 8-2-1/

Sean McComb won a decision over Ronnie Clark in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

McComb, 137 1/2 lbs won by a 79-74 score and is now 13-1. Clark is 21-6-2.

James McGivern remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Rustem Fatkullin in a super lightweight bout.

In round six, McGivern was marked up a little bit around the left eye.

McGivern, 136.1 lbs of Belfast, NI won by a score 60-54 and is 4-0. Fatullin, 143 lbs of Russia is 8-11.

Paul Ryan made quick work of David Esquisabel with an opening round stoppage in a scheduled four-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Ryan landed a combination to the head that dropped Esquisabel. Ryan finished the fight with a hard uppercut to the body that sent Esquisabel down again and the fight was stopped at 47 seconds.

Ryan, 155 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 2-0 with one knockout. Esquisabel, 156.2 lbs of Spain is 4-7.

Daniel Keating remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Jack Dempsey Eubank.

In round one, Keating dropped Eubank with a left hook.

Keating, 152.5 lbs of Cork, IRE won by a 40-35 score and is now 5-0. Dempsey, 152.3 lbs of Ashford, ENG is 4-2.

Despite being dropped twice in the opening round, Cain Lewis and Juan Lewis battled to a draw in a super featherweight fight.

In round one, Yin dropped Lewis with a hard left hand. Moments later it was another left hook that put Lewis on the deck. Lewis was able to win the final three rounds and salvage a draw by 37-37 scores on all cards.

Lewis, 126 1/4 lbs of Ireland is 1-0-1. Yin, 125 1/4 lbs of Madrid, SPA is 4-0-1.

(March 9, 2021) — One of Europe’s top welterweights returns this Friday, March 12, as #MTKFightNight is back with Lewis “The Croc” Crocker making the first defense of his WBO European belt in a 10-rounder against German contender Deniz Ilbay at University of Bolton Stadium in Bolton, England.
 
In the co-feature, Irish fan-favorite Gary Cully will battle Kazakhstan’s Viktor Kotochigov in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO European lightweight title.
 
Crocker-Ilbay, Cully-Kotochigov and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
Crocker (12-0, 7 KOs) captured the WBO European belt last August with a dominating seventh-round stoppage over Louis Greene, a former British Southern Area champion. The Belfast native takes another step up against Ilbay (22-2, 10 KOs), who is 7-1 in his last eight bouts. He last fought in December 2019 and notched a first-round stoppage over Milos Janjanin.
 
Cully (11-0, 5 KOs), from Naas, Ireland, went 2-0 in 2020, including a first-round stoppage over Joe Fitzpatrick to capture the Irish lightweight title. He returned last August and survived a fifth-round knockdown to edge Craig Woodruff via decision. Kotochigov (12-1, 5 KOs), a former WBC International lightweight champion, seeks to rebound from last October’s upset loss to Maxi Hughes.
 
In other streaming action:

• Former Commonwealth featherweight champion Isaac Lowe (20-0-3, 6 KOs) makes his first ring appearance since the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury II undercard and will face Ed Harrison (2-5) in a six-round junior lightweight bout. Lowe is ranked as a top-10 featherweight by two of the major sanctioning organizations.
   
• Former British amateur star Jordan Reynolds will make his highly anticipated professional debut in a six-round middleweight bout versus the durable Robbie Chapman (6-6).
   
• In an eight-round welterweight tilt, Bolton native Sahir Iqbal (8-0, 1 KO) will fight an opponent to be named.
   
• The ESPN+ stream is scheduled to begin with the pro debut of Carl Fail, who will clash with the unbeaten Jordan Dujon (4-0) in a six-rounder at junior middleweight.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

Lewis Crocker stopped Louis Greene in round seven of a scheduled 10-round welterweight fight in Yorkshire, England.

In round one, Crocker dropped Greene with a left hook.

In round seven, Crocker dropped Greene with a right uppercut that was followed by a left to the body. Crocker finished things with a hard right hand that dropped Greene again, and the fight was stopped at 2:02.

Crocker of Belfast, Northern Ireland is 12-0 with seven knockouts. Greene of Strood, UK is 12-2.

Taylor Decisions Tetley

Liam Taylor scored two knockdowns en-route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Darren Tetley in a welterweight bout.

In round two, Taylor dropped Tetley with a right to the body. The Same occurrence happened in the next round as a body shot put Tetley down again.

Taylor, 147 lba of Middleton, UK won by scores of 96-93 twice and 95-93, and is now 22-1-1. Tetley, 147 lbs of Middleton, UK is 20-1.

McGregor stops Walker in 5

Lee McGregor stopped Ryan Walker in round five of their scheduled 10-round super bantamweight fight.

In round five, McGregor landed a booming right that sent Walker hard to the canvas. Walker got up but the fight was stopped at 16 seconds.

McGregor, 122 lbs of Edinbergh, SCO is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Walker, 122 lbs is 11-2.

Quinn Decisions Chapman

Ferghus Quinn made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision win over Robbie Chapman in a middleweight bout.

Quinn, 163 lbs of Ireland won by a 60-54, and is now 1-0. Chapman, 162 lbs of London is 6-4.

Cully Decisions Woodruff

Gary Cully had to get off the deck to remain undefeated with an eight-round decision over Craig Woodruff in a junior welterweight bout.

In round five, Woodruff landed a perfect right that put Cully on his back. Other then that, Cully dominated the action and won by a 77-75 score.

Cully, 140 lbs of Naas, IRE is now 11-0. Woodruff, 139 lbs of Newport, WAL is 10-6.

(August 21, 2020) —Australia’s most anticipated fistic showdown in years has an American streaming home.
 
Former welterweight world champion and Manny Pacquiao conqueror Jeff “The Hornet” Horn will face Tim Tszyu in a 10-round junior middleweight bout Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Australia. A socially distanced crowd of more than 16,000 fans are expected for Horn-Tszyu, which will headline a special edition of Breakfast and Boxing exclusively on ESPN+ (5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT).
 
Horn (20-2-1, 13 KOs), from Brisbane, toppled Pacquiao in July 2017 via unanimous decision to win the WBO welterweight world title. Horn-Pacquiao, the Top Rank on ESPN series premier, peaked at 4.4 million viewers. Horn defended his title once before losing via ninth-round stoppage to Terence “Bud” Crawford in June 2018. He is 2-1 since the Crawford loss, most recently splitting a pair of action classics against countryman Michael Zerafa in 2019.
 
Tszyu (15-0, 11 KO), the Sydney-born son of legendary former world champion Kostya Tszyu, returns from a nearly nine-month layoff. He graduated from prospect to contender in 2019, closing out the year in December with a fourth-round TKO over Jack Brubaker that streamed live on ESPN+. 
 
“In my career, what I’ve accomplished and what I’m doing, my dad doesn’t play much of a role. I do my own stuff,” Tszyu told ESPN recently. “He taught me one thing and that’s work ethic, because of that I am who I am. If you want to succeed you have to put in the work.
 
“I’m proud of what my dad achieved. He’s the greatest boxer in Australian and Russian sports history. I do everything that he’s done. There’s a blueprint. If I could do half of what he did, I’m going to be a great in this sport.”
 
The Horn-Tszyu stream will also include unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Liam Wilson (6-0, 4 KOs) against Jackson Woods (4-1-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder, former Australian 154-pound champion Joel Camilleri (18-6-1, 8 KOs) versus Adam Copland (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout, and Australian middleweight prospect Issac “The Headsplitter” Hardman (6-0, 5 KOs ) against seven-year veteran Jamie Weetch (12-3, 5 KOs) in a six-rounder.
 
Lewis Crocker-Louis Greene Headlines #MTKFightNight Following Horn-Tszyu
 
The action continues Wednesday on ESPN+ at  2 p.m. ET, as MTK Global returns with a closed-door card from Production Park Studios in Wakefield, England. In the 10-round main event, Belfast’s Lewis “The Croc” Crocker will battle Louis Greene for the vacant WBO European welterweight title.
 
Crocker (11-0, 6 KOs) is making his headlining debut in his first scheduled 10-round assignment. He last fought Feb. 1 at Belfast’s historic Ulster Hall, where he notched an eight-round decision over John Thain. Greene (12-1, 7 KOs) has won three fights in a row since a unanimous decision defeat to Larry Ekundayo for the IBF European welterweight title.
 
In other action on the Crocker-Greene stream, British and Commonwealth bantamweight champion Lee McGregor (8-0, 6 KOs) moves up to junior featherweight to fight Ryan Walker (11-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-rounder; junior welterweight prospect Gary Cully (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Craig Woodruff (10-5, 4 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight tilt; middleweight Fearghus Quinn turns pro in a six-rounder against Robbie Chapman (6-3, 0 KOs); and Darren Tetley (20-0, 9 KOs) fights Liam Taylor (21-1-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round British welterweight title eliminator.
 
August 23: Kazakh Amateur Superstar to Make Pro Debut at Cruiserweight
 
MTK Global presents a special Sunday show live from Almaty, Kazakhstan, which will showcase the professional debut of former Kazakh amateur superstar Kamshybek Kunkabayev. The two-time World Championships silver medalist (2017 & 2019), will make his professional debut in an eight-round cruiserweight bout against Issa Akberbayev (20-1, 15 KOs). Kunkabayev also won a pair of Asian Championships silver medals, while Akberbayev, a 6-foot-3 puncher who currently resides in Almaty, hopes to rebound from his first career defeat.
 
The scheduled five-fight stream kicks off on ESPN+ at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT and also includes:

• Lightweight contender Viktor Kotochigov (11-0, 4 KOs), who defended the WBC International belt last December, will fight Belarusian veteran Andrei Isayeu (30-17, 9 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

• In an eight-round junior middleweight bout, 2019 Asian Championships gold medalist and 2019 World Championships bronze medalist Tursynbay Kulakhmet will make his pro debut against former amateur star Sagadat Rakhmankul (6-1, 4 KOs), who has won three consecutive fights since his lone pro defeat.
   
• In an eight-round clash of undefeated middleweights, Abay Tolesh (5-0, 3 KOs) will take on southpaw Saparbay Aidarov (4-0, 2 KOs).
   
• Nurtas Azhbenov (9-0, 4 KOs), who has won three of his last four via first-round stoppage, will fight Shovkat Khalilov (7-2, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder at junior welterweight.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 
 
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

Stephen Ward won a close technical unanimous decision over Liam Conroy in a light heavyweight bout.

n round two, Ward was cut badly over the left eye. In round four, Conroy scored a knockdown from a nice flurry of punches.

The cut kept streaming from around the eye of Ward, and the fight was stopped in the eighth round, due to an accidental headbutt.

Ward, 174 lbs of Belfast, Ireland won by scores of 76-75 on all cards and is now 12-0. Conroy, 174.7 lbs of England is 17-5-1.

Tyrone McKenna won a 10-roun unanimous decision over Darragh Foley in a junior welterweight bout.

In round three, McKenna began to bleed over his right eye. A worse cut opened up over his left eye in the 5th round from an accidental headbutt.

In round eight, McKenna scored a knockdown as Foley went down from a couple of non descript shots.

McKenna, 139.1 lbs won by scores of 98-91 twice and 97-93, and is now 20-1-1. Foley, 139 lbs is 17-4-1.

Paddy Gallagher stopped previously undefeated Liam Wells in round three of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Gallagher hurt Wells with a hard left hand. Gallagher jumped on Wells, and landed about 10 unanswered punches, and the bout was stopped at 1:15.

Gallagher, 152.2 lbs is 16-5 with 10 knockouts. Wells, 151.4 lbs is 5-1

Lewis Crocker won a six-round decision over Karim Aliliche in a welterweight contest.

Crocker dropped Aliliche in the 1st minute with a left hook to the head.

Crocker, 152.4 lbs won by a 60-53 score, and is now 9-0. Aliliche, 148.2 lbs is 11-9-2.