Donovan granted rematch with Crocker

Paddy Donovan (14-1, 11 KOS) has been granted a rematch against Lewis Crocker (21-0, 11 KOs), after his disqualification loss in their IBF title eliminator in Belfast earlier this month.

Referee Marcus McDonnell disqualified Donovan in round eight because he hit Crocker after the bell.

Donovan was leading on points.

The winner of contest was due to become mandatory for IBF welterweight champion Jaron Ennis.

Donovan team appealed at IBF and it was granted immediate rematch.

Keith Sullivan, Donovan’s co-manager with trainer Andy Lee, welcomed the decision, saying: “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.”