The countdown is officially on for this Saturday’s IBF world welterweight title fight between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
The pair stood toe-to-toe yesterday for a face-off in the very spot where they will collide at the weekend.
The headline encounter on Saturday is a rematch. The two fighters last met in March at the SSE Arena in a bout which was filled with controversy as Donovan was disqualified after the eighth round for a punch after the bell.
Linfield fan Crocker, who grew up close to the National Stadium, kept a cool counsel as rival Donovan, from Limerick, arrived in a confident fashion and attempted to tease the hometown man ahead of their rematch, which is being broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.
“He’s done,” smiled Donovan, as he exited the exchange with his entourage.
Crocker refused to rise to the bait, however. Responding to Donovan’s goading, he retorted with a quip about his rival’s new, plaited hairstyle and insisted he was ready for the biggest bout of his career with the IBF world title on the line.
“My camp has been good,” a calm and composed Crocker said.
Donovan responded by tickling Crocker’s ribs, saying: “That’s not what I heard kid. It’s all over for you. Once and for all I will put it to bed. It’s a big night for you Lewis in Belfast. A big, big night kid.”
Fight Week events in Belfast continue today (Wednesday) with Public Workouts at Victoria Square. They are due to begin from 4pm.
Molly McCann will be there as she prepares for her professional boxing debut against Kate Rodomska. Cruiserweight sensation Pat Brown, Tyrone McKenna and Dylan Moran will be in attendance as well along with Ishamel Davis and Caoimhín Agyarko ahead of their respective duels.
Tomorrow there will be a press conference at the ICC Belfast convention centre followed by the official weigh-in at the same venue on Friday.
For the latest updates on Fight Week in Belfast follow @matchroomboxing on social media.
Image: Lewis Crocker (left) and Paddy Donovan faced off at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
