Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan II - Darren Barker expects close contest as fight day arrives

Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan offer contrasting approaches for Darren Barker ahead of their IBF welterweight title match this weekend, as they bid for history.

The pair meet for the second time in six months following the former's win at Belfast's SSE Arena in controversial circumstances earlier, this time at Windsor Park.

There, Donovan appeared in control and was up on the scorecards before he was disqualified, with the pair now set to go again with added stakes on the line.

Speaking to DAZN News, former IBF middleweight champion Barker believes the two are evenly matched, and thinks there is room for improvement with both men.

"It's an intriguing contest," he said. "It was a very good performance from Paddy Donovan, but there were errors. But what can Lewis Crocker do differently?

"There are what-ifs, but I'm a big fan and I think he can make adjustments. But then, can Donovan be better? Equally, I'm a huge fan. There's a lot to like.

"He's got the potential to be a real top fighter in this division. The arrogance is there, but that comes with confidence. The atmosphere is going to be incredible."

"It's a cracker. I'm a big fan of Belfast. My amateur club Repton used to fight The Dockers annually. It's a big fighting city, this, and they're knowledgeable."

Barker claimed his title against Daniel Geale in August 2013, before a los in his first defence to Felix Sturm four months later led to his ultimate retirement.

Nevertheless, he can offer insight into the mental state both men will find themselves in before they step into the ring - and what awaits the victor afterwards.

"The juices are flowing, the excitement is real, and the nerves kick in. But every young fighter wants to be a world champion. I still smile because I can't believe I did."

"Whoever wins between the guys, it will be the same. It's a huge moment, I won it and quickly lost, but for fighters who win multiple first titles, the first is always special."

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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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