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Why was Paddy Donovan disqualified against Lewis Crocker? Crazy fight ending explained
Belfast's SSE Arena was bouncing on Saturday night for what was a memorable night of boxing.
Topping the card was the battle of two undefeated welterweights, Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan.
It was not just Irish boxing bragging rights that were at stake, but also the chance to be in contention to challenge for the IBF welterweight title which is currently held by Jaron 'Boots' Ennis.
While fight fans could not keep their eyes off the contest, it did end abruptly with controversy.
DAZN News explains what happened on a night under the lights in Belfast.
What happened in the Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan fight?
With the backdrop of an electric atmosphere, the contest between Crocker and Donovan exploded into life in round two.
Crocker was the more economical fighter, committing only when he needed to and this approach meant that Donovan was forced to constantly go after his opponent.
A cut opened up above Crocker's right eye in the third as Donovan began to target the body. During the contest Donovan had been cautioned multiple times for use of his elbow and in round six, referee Marcus McDonell had enough and deducted a point off the 'Real Deal'.
Despite this deduction, many felt Donovan was still in control, but he was then hit with another caution in round seven.
Donovan's stayed on the front foot in round eight opting to march his opponent down, but he was hit with another point deduction for use of the head.
As the eighth reached its closing stages, Donovan was landing with ease and a body shot had Crocker down. He did manage to get back to his feet and following the sound of the bell to end the round, Donovan hit Crocker with a right hand and McDonell had no choice but to disqualify Donovan which gave Crocker the victory.
Why was Paddy Donovan disqualified?
Under Rule 3.38 on the British Boxing Board of Control website, hitting an opponent at the end of the round will not be permitted during a contest.
As per the above clip, it is clear that Donovan hits Crocker a few seconds after the bell rang at the end of round eight, therefore, McDonell had to disqualify the 'Real Deal'.
This decision also has effects on Donovan's purse. According to Rule 3.42, a fighter disqualified in a contest will not receive their respective purse until the BBBofC decides how it should be distributed.
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