Donovan team lodges appeal to IBF, claim disqualification loss was unjust

Manager and attorney of Paddy Donovan (14-1, 11 KOs), Keith Sullivan, have written to International Boxing Federation complaining that disqualification loss against Lewis Crocker (21-0, 11 KOs) was unjust.

Donovan was disqualified on Saturday night in IBF eliminator for welterweight title, because of a punch after the bell. Donovan was deducted one point in round six and eight for hitting with head. And then disqualified in end of round eight for hitting after bell.

He was leading clearly on points and dropped Crocker once in round eight.

 “We’ve already filed to the IBF president Darryl Peoples back in the United States,” said New Yorker Sullivan. “He definitely should not have been disqualified. We’re definitely seeking that the mandatory title shot be held until there’s a rematch and we’re prepared to go forward on a hearing for the next week.”

Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, who promotes both fighters, believed a return was the fairest option moving forward but said the IBF situation, determined by a panel, would take a few days.

“I will say in this process there is no one fairer for the appeal process than the IBF,” said Hearn.

“I suggest there is a rematch. Whether that makes me unpopular with Lewis and Billy [Nelson]… I can’t sit here tonight and say that was a terrible decision. It’s a heat of the moment decision where the referee’s got to make a call. Now was he right or wrong? And in a situation where it’s a 50-50, generally there will be a rematch ordered. I will be saying there should be a rematch.”