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Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2 Fight Results: Crocker Earns A Split Decision In Belfast

Originally posted on Fights Around The World
By Abraham Gonzalez | Last updated Sep 13, 2025 8:34 PM ET

One of the most anticipated rematches in 2025 somewhat lived up to the hype, and in the end, Lewis Crocker (22-0, 11 KOs) defeated Paddy Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) to become the new IBF welterweight champion.

The judges saw this one 115-111 for Donovan, 114-112 for Crocker, and 114-113 for Crocker as he celebrated a split decision victory in his hometown of Belfast, Ireland. During the post-fight in-ring interview, Crocker called out Conor Benn for a fight while Eddie Hearn mentioned names like Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, and Devin Haney. It was a disappointing loss for Donovan, who was up on the unofficial scorecards with many online feeling as though he should have been awarded the decision.

The opening round didn’t spark too many fireworks as both Crocker and Donovan were fighting for position with their lead front foot. Donovan landed a few right jabs while Crocker held his right hand close to his cheek.

Crocker decided to stay in counter-punching mode throughout the second round as Donovan continued to pump the right jab. There was a moment where Donovan rushed in and was caught with a straight right hand by Crocker that momentarily buckled him. Crocker’s counter-punching style for this fight paid off for him in the third round as he landed a left hook, which sent Donovan down. Although visibly frustrated by the knockdown, Donovan beat the count and tried to press late in the round to make up for the knockdown.

In the fourth round, Donovan picked up the pace on his combinations, but in the middle of the round, they each landed a punch, which made them both buckle. Crocker appeared to be buzzed more from the shot but recovered shortly after. Then, towards the end of the round, Crocker caught Donovan with a right hand that buzzed him. It made for a real back-and-forth round. In the fifth, Crocker again caught Donovan coming in with a left hook for the second knockdown of the fight. Donovan beat the count, but he did not see the counter left hook for the second time in the fight.

Donovan came roaring back in the sixth round, but Crocker landed the cleaner, more effective punches. Crocker switched his style for this round and began coming forward, versus the counter-punching style he had in rounds one through five. In the seventh round, Donovan was in control with his right jab and followed it with the straight left. Crocker was moving forward more, but didn’t have as much success being on the front foot as he did when he was waiting for Donovan to throw a punch.

Donovan began to settle into his rhythm in the eighth round as Crocker was too focused on landing the one punch. When Crocker initiated his offense, Donovan would catch him with a fast combination. In the ninth round, Crocker picked up the pace and caught Donovan coming in again. It didn’t hurt Donovan, but he was clearly buzzed. Crocker finished the round strongly.

Donovan controlled the majority of the tenth round but was caught twice with the counter right hand by Crocker. Donovan continued his smooth offense throughout the 11^th round, as Crocker waited for the one punch that never came. Both men looked to steal the last round, but, in the end, Donovan outboxed Crocker throughout the round.

This article first appeared on Fights Around The World and was syndicated with permission.

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