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Crocker-Donovan 2: Donovan makes big accusation about rival ahead of world title rematch
Paddy Donovan has accused Lewis Crocker of taking a “dive” in their controversial first fight as the pair prepare to do it all again for the IBF welterweight title on September 13, live on DAZN.
Donovan and Crocker put their unbeaten records on the line back in March, and it was the former who opened up a wide lead on the scorecards.
However, Donovan was deducted two points for use of the elbow and head, and was then disqualified after knocking Crocker down with a shot that landed after the bell at the end of the eighth round.
Donovan feels his rival made the most of the incident but has vowed to set the record straight in their rematch at Windsor Park.
“You can ask Lewis if he took a dive or I knocked him out after the bell,” Donovan told a media call before Monday’s press conference.Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
“I think he took a dive to get me disqualified. I'd been winning every round and was in a comfortable position, so the only way for Lewis to get the win was by taking a dive.
"After the last fight, my confidence is only growing and I can get the knockout this time.”
Crocker had a very different view on the controversial ending, insisting the referee was left with little choice but to wave the contest off.
He believes he is now a “massive underdog” in the rematch but is desperate to grab his world title shot with both hands after American superstar Jaron Ennis vacated his belt to move up to super welterweight.
“I agreed with the decision, but also agreed there should be a rematch," Crocker responded after Donovan’s claim.
"He didn't knock me out. My eye was shut and I was in trouble at that stage. Paddy made the mistake and paid for it.
“Everything has worked out. We were fighting in an eliminator originally, but now it's for the title. It's everything I've dreamed of since I was a kid and all I've ever wanted.
"I have to be better. Paddy is a great fighter and showed that in the last fight. I'm a massive underdog in this fight - nobody's expecting me to win. To pull off the win, it would be the stuff of dreams.”
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