Paddy Donovan ordered to face former world champion as Manny Pacquiao looms for title holder

Paddy Donovan could move into prime position for a trilogy with Lewis Crocker and another crack at the IBF welterweight title after he was ordered to face Liam Paro.

'The Real Deal' lost a narrow split-decision for the vacant belt against his rival at Windsor Park last month, half-a-year on from a controversial disqualification in their first bout.

The result handed Donovan his second professional loss, both now against Crocker, with two knockdowns in the first half of the fight ultimately crucial on the scorecards.

Now however, the Limerick fighter could find himself in the box seat to face him once more after the IBF ordered a bout between him and Paro for mandatory challenger status.

The Australian, the former IBF light-welterweight champion, moved to number two in the most recent publication, with Donovan dropping to three and the top spot vacant.

Crocker himself is currently weighing up his first title defence, with a potential super-bout with either Manny Pacquiao or Conor Benn mooted as potential options to face.

It is expected that 'The Croc' will take a voluntary option first, with the chance of a domestic clash with Benn dependent on the result of the latter's rematch with Chris Eubank Jr.

However, any successful victory would then lead to the IBF's mandatory challenger as his next opponent - with both Donovan and Paro keen to ensure they take the spot.

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