LIMERICK’S Paddy ‘The Real Deal’ Donovan has been successful in the appeal filed regarding his controversial disqualification against Lewis Crocker in the World Welterweight Title Eliminator at Odyssey Arena, Belfast, at the start of the month.
There will now be a rematch between the fighters.
Donovan was dominating Crocker until his elimination in the original fixure. He knocked Lewis down earlier in the eighth round with a right hook. Moments later, Donovan was 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.
In his own words, 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.”
“I am very proud of the support Keith (Sullivan, co-manager) and Andy (Lee, trainer) provided to me during the appeal 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.”
“The world saw what happened on March first. We look forward to setting the record straight,” said Lee.
Added Sullivan: “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.”
