Crocker vs Donovan rematch now for vacant IBF welterweight title

Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan will fight for Jaron Ennis’ former title later this year

Matchroom Boxing announced today that with former unified welterweight champion Jaron Ennis en route to super welterweight, Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan will battle it out for “Boots’” former IBF title in their upcoming rematch.

Their Twitter post implores readers to “watch this space” for further details. Per Jake Donovan, “the working date for Crocker-Donovan II is September 13 in Crocker’s hometown of Belfast, Northern Ireland.”

Despite the best efforts of referee Marcus McDonnell, Donovan (14-1, 11 KO) gave Crocker (21-0, 11 KO) a hiding for much of their March eliminator. At the end of the eighth, Donovan floored Crocker with a vicious right hook that came after the bell but well before McDonnell moved to end the round. McDonnell elected to disqualify Donovan, who was well ahead on all three scorecards.

The IBF granted Donovan’s request for an immediate rematch, citing McDonnell’s poor positioning and the incredible crowd volume that likely prevented Donovan from hearing the bell.

As much as it sucked for Donovan, it seems like the ideal outcome for him. Not only does he get a title shot, he gets it against someone he already took to school.