Although that option is viable, it is much more likely Crocker will either face Benn or enjoy another big night in Belfast for a first voluntary defence.
However, much will depend on the outcome of November’s middleweight rematch between Benn and Chris Eubank Jr in terms of when Benn could be ready to return to the ring and drop back to welterweight.
The updated IBF rankings have former light-welterweight champion Liam Paro in the number two position with Donovan, who is understood to be appealing September’s decision at Windsor Park, in third.
A successful outcome for Donovan would most likely see him retain his high ranking and secure a final eliminator against Paro for the mandatory slot.
“Benn is the fight Crocker wants and he is confident he will beat him,” Conlan confirmed.
“That’s all well and good and the numbers are exciting, but you are putting Lewis’ livelihood on hold in hope of what will happen in another fight [Eubank-Benn II] and it doesn’t work like that, so get something booked for Belfast and most likely that’s what will happen next. If they [Matchroom] control the situation with the mandatory, then it can be pushed off and we can do Benn [after a first voluntary].
“There are still a few moving parts to happen, but I think Paro will fight Donovan or Karen Chukhadzhian next.
“Donovan’s team have appealed so his ranking hasn’t moved. That could be good news for ‘Croc’ as his mandatory will be kept on the long finger if Paro is out in the early part of next year. That could give us the opportunity of two voluntaries before we have a mandatory.”
Lewis Crocker has stunned Belfast with his gameplan and conviction
Crocker vs Donovan R7
Lewis Crocker has put on a masterclass in Belfast.
Two knockdowns to the good after a clinic in counter punching.
Six months ago, Donovan bossed the original bout but he lost on a DQ.
Crocker entered the rematch the underdog, but he’s showing bark and bite and brain and brawn.
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Lewis Crocker knocks down Paddy Donovan for the second time during the IBF World Welterweight Title fight between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park on September 13, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Crocker vs Donovan R7
Donovan has now suffered two knockdowns and counts.
But trainer Billy Nelson now tells him to flip the tactics and get on the front foot.
The counter-punching has worked so well. Will the 180 be a mistake?
13 September 2025; Paddy Donovan receives a count from referee Howard Foster during his IBF World Welterweight title bout with Lewis Crocker at Clearer Twist National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Crocker vs Donovan R6
Donovan now needs knockdowns or this will slip away.
But that could play right into counter-punching Crocker’s heavy hands.
Two 10-8 rounds must have given Crocker the lead and Donovan needs to match those scores.
Donovan down R5!
Donovan is trying to land combinations now, to take the upperhand and block Crocker counters.
Just when Donovan looks like banking another session, he is smashed again and folds.
Donovan gets back to his corner after the count and tells Andy Lee: “I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT HAPPENED”
Another 10-8 round to Crocker
Crocker vs Donovan R4
Crocker buzzed by a lazer of a left-hand uppercut but his legs stay solid.
Then he spins it by smashing Donovan back and wobbling him.
Donovan is clawing back from that early knock down and he is still struggling to adapt to Crocker’s shock counter-punch tactics.
Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Lewis Crocker can cause a shock tonight.
Hearn said: “Lewis, I think mentally he’s in a much better place because he’s not putting any pressure on himself.
“Paddy’s the big favourite in the fight because of how the first fight played out, but I think this will be a totally different Lewis Crocker.
“I think physically he looks totally different this time around, and he has to be better.
“I thought he was poor in the first fight, and I think he knows he was poor in the first fight.
“I think Paddy Donovan has to be the favourite going into the fight, but I think Lewis Crocker’s well in this and is Paddy a little bit too complacent?
“He wouldn’t have trained that way because Andy [Lee] wouldn’t let him.
“I know that’s not a technical term, but Lewis Crocker can punch and punch hard.
“He’s got to take chances, he’s gotta roll the dice, and he’s gotta let his hands go and if he does, you’re gonna get a thriller.
“I mean we’re gonna have close to 20,000 here at Windsor Park, it’s gonna be absolutely wild.”
PADDY DONOVAN will be hoping to right some wrongs when he takes on Lewis Crocker once again for the IBF welterweight title.
Donovan, 26 thought his title dreams had come true when he delivered a big right hand to knock Crocker down during their first encounter.
1
Lewis Crocker needed treatment after being knocked down by Paddy DonovanCredit: Sportsfile
But to the dismay of the Irishman, he would quickly learn he had been disqualified by referee Marcus McDonnell, who deemed his punch to be AFTER the bell in the eighth round.
Speaking after the fight, Donovan said: “It’s not easy to get the fight out of your head. It’s not really the fight, it’s the aftermath … Coming out of the ring, the emotions setting in and seeing different reactions from the crowd.
“This part of my journey doesn’t really happen to many fighters. You either win fair or you lose fair.
You either win, get knocked out or knock out somebody and you just move on. It was like I won the fight but didn’t get the result. That’s the way I felt deep down.”
Six months later, Paddy will get a second shot at Crcocker and SunSport can let fans know exactly how to watch it.
How can I watch Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2?
Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan will be exclusively broadcast LIVE on DAZN.
The whole fight card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe via a DAZN subscription.
If you are not currently a DAZN member, then monthly and annual subscription options are available to watch over 185 fights a year across boxing, bare knuckle boxing, MMA and kickboxing.
An Annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 / $224.99 for 12-months access (£14.99 / $19.99 per month if paying in monthly instalments).
A Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time, is £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
If you are not a DAZN subscriber, you can also redeem a 7-day free trial and just pay for the PPV as a one-off, and once the trial is over, you will move onto a Monthly Flex subscription, should you not cancel.
Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will bring you round-by-round updates from the huge card.
Crocker vs Donovan 2 will take place on Saturday, September 13.
Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2 – All the info
WINDSOR PARK will host one of the biggest boxing nights in Irish history as rivals Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan meet again THIS WEEKEND.
Almost 20,000 people are set to pack into the stadium to watch the highly-anticipated rematch between Belfast’s own Crocker and Limerick’s Donovan.
Their first fight ended in massive drama as Donovan was disqualified for punching Crocker after the bell after round eight.
He had already been docked points in rounds six and eight for illegal use of his elbow and head.
With tensions boiling over – and a world title also now on the line – we could be in line for one of the best fights of the year.
Matthew Boreland vs Ruadhan Farrell (Irish super-bantamweight title)
What has been said?
Crocker feels as if he has been written off despite winning the first fight.
The heavy-hitter told DAZN news: “It does change. The last fight was seen as a 50-50 fight. I feel like everyone has written me off for this fight.
“I’ve got to be better from the last time around. I’m feeling very confident going into this fight. Fight week is always busy, and I’ve always got stuff to do. I’m used to it now.
“But the main part is on September 13th. It will be exceptional on the pitch, with the crowd. It is going to be such a huge occasion for everyone and for the city of Belfast.”
