IN arguably the greatest All-Ireland pro boxing match ever, undefeated Paddy ‘The Real Deal’ Donovan of Limerick is supremely confident of defeating arch-rival Lewis ‘The Croc’ Crocker at The SSE Arena, Belfast, on Saturday night (streaming on DAZN).
The 12-round main event winner of this eliminator will become the number one, mandatory challenger for the International Boxing Federation World Welterweight Champion, whether that is for current world welterweight champions Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis or Eimantas Stanionis, who are scheduled to fight for the unified IBF and WBA crowns in Atlantic City next month.
“I will best Lewis Crocker because he has never fought anyone as good as me,” proclaimed gifted southpaw Donovan.
“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 visualised the fight in my head many times. I believe that in real time, seeing me punch him to either the head or body.”
The 26 year old is under the guidance of former world middleweight champion Andy Lee of Castleconnell.
Lee said: “The keys for Paddy are for him to just be himself: box smart and be precise, use his skills, punch when Crocker punches – at the same time – and go for the finish when the opportunity comes. It’s a great fight between two young fighters. Both are big punchers; both will be going for the knockout.”
“It’s important for Paddy to not get emotionally involved in the fight, because it’s a big rivalry and the fight is in our country. There will be a lot of fans and support coming for both sides. It’s important for Paddy to disengage, from my experience, from all of that and just focus on the fight and enjoy the night.”
Donovan learned and honed his craft at Our Lady of Lourdes St Saviour’s Boxing Club in Limerick.
