Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan II - Carl Frampton ready to savour big-night battle

There's a low thrum that buzzes across the ICC complex on Belfast's waterfront. Down by the banks of the River Lagan, fight fans have come from far and wide to see history.

But as the city waits to see whether it can crown another new local hero as world champion, it still has not forgotten the exploits of his most famous predecessor in these parts.

When Carl Frampton's name is read out as part of the broadcast team before Friday's ceremonial weigh-ins can commence, the roar that greets him practically takes the roof off.

Ireland, either side of the border, has always been a place fiercly dedicated to its sporting heroes, and few can quite the match the reputation and record of 'The Jackal' himself.

Across a dozen-year professional career between 2009 and 2021, the 38-year-old fought his way to the very top of the game, a four-division contender and two-weight champion.

But for all of his achievements and accolades, Frampton will watch on as Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan go one better today - in a world title fight at his beloved Windsor Park.

"I'm delighted for both," he tells DAZN News exclusively, amid cheers for his name. "Especially Lewis as a Belfast boy, to get the opportunity that I did and top the bill at Windsor.

"But this is a bigger fight that mine. I only fought for an interim world title, which is another way to get a few quid. This is a real world title fight. It's a big night, and a big occasion."

He cracks a wry smile. "I didn't realise it is the first time two Irishmen have fought for a world title. Consider the amount of great fighters the country has produced over the years..."

"It was a bit of a surprise for me. I'm looking forward to this big night, but when you look through the history of boxing, I'm very surprised that it's never happened before."

Frampton's surprise is understandable. He is part of a rich lineage with roots that stretch from Bangor to Ballymena, from Waterford to Wicklow. There's no shortage of heroes.

"It's a shame in some ways," he admits on his lack of chance to achieve what Crocker and Donovan will.. "But I always wanted to be a fly-on-the-wall for my biggest fights.

"This gives me the opportunity. You want big fights. If Lewis wins, I'd want to see him bring more big nights back to Belfast again. There's a few names that are coming through."

Crocker must win first, of course, in a rematch where the home favourite enters as a nominal underdog. Six months ago, his win against Donovan came when down on points.

Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

Had the Limerick man not been disqualified and powered on for victory, it is likely he would have not looked back, even if Jaron 'Boots' Ennis was always going to vacate.

Instead, the pair meet for the IBF welterweight title rather than in an eliminator for a shot - and up until yesterday's weigh-in, Crocker has kept his powder dry on his chances.

Many wondered if the star was potentially playing down his prospects, but Frampton considers that it is a more natural reaction to the manner of his last win and a need to improve.

"What can Lewis say, after what happened in the first fight?" he adds. "It was stopped controversially in the end, when Paddy Donovan appeared to be in control of the bout.

"It would have been very out of character to say anything. I think he's been very honest. He knows he has to be a lot better than the last time, and he's admitted it as well.

"I don't mind his demeanour. I know a lot of people are making a lot of it, but going off that performance, it would have been strange to watch him walking with his chest puffed out."

No matter the outcome, both men want a definitive answer in the ring this time around - and victory will ensure one can call themselves world champion in a glamour division.

Frampton believes that opportunities could present themselves for both men however, adding: "There's big names but the welterweight division isn't what it used to be."

"Brian Norman Jr. is one of them, Conor Benn is another. Manny Pacquio went against Mario Barrios, and he's an old man now, which tells you all about Barrios.

"The division isn't as strong as it once was, so one of the boys could not just hang around and get a few defences in, they could move towards unifiication too."

Should the opportunity arise, you'd imagine both Crocker and Donovan will seize it with both hands - a chance to step up and be counted among the modern Irish greats.

For years, Frampton has been the hero in these parts - but by the time the final bell sounds on Saturday night, Belfast may finally have found the successor to his throne.

Matchroom Boxing

Watch Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan II on DAZN

Watch Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan II, plus the whole undercard from Belfast's Windsor Park, with a DAZN subscription this September.

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