Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan 2: Who Wins? 

“Crocker is the fight that I want to get redemption for after what happened the last time out,” Donovan told Matchroom Boxing’s Ordinary People program. “I know Crocker now, I know what he’s about, I know the way he can fight. It’s a fight that I want to win so badly.”

On the flip side, Crocker is under no illusions about his own performance. Dropped less than a minute before the telling, illegal blows connected, the Belfast native knows his “get out of jail free card” was cashed in the moment his hand was raised. In that sense, he has his own wrong to set right.

“I’m not going to say I didn’t feel lucky, because I did,” Crocker revealed on Matchroom Boxing’s Cards on Table show. “That’s why it was so important for me to want the rematch, because that’s not the way the fight should have ended on my behalf. I had to make it right.”

With the proverbial powder keg set to be ignited by the opening bell, what is hoped is that the ensuing explosion leaves us with an answer to six months’ worth of uncertainty.

Can Paddy Donovan Leave It In The Past?

Of the two combatants taking centre stage, the greater onus to make a statement definitely lies with Donovan. On the precipice of a stoppage win only to wind up on heartache’s doorstep, the expectation of many is that he will recreate magic on fight night and again prove too much for a spirited Crocker. That leads to a simple, yet critical question: Will it be that easy?

Born out of the controversial finish, anticipation has outgrown the site of the first bout, Belfast’s SSE Arena. As such, the 25,000-capacity Windsor Park hosts the sequel and will draw a crowd that may triple the approximate 8,000 present for the March encounter. More screaming fans in attendance, coupled with the added prize that is world title glory, make the stakes monumentally greater this time around.

Another point to consider is that the unruly elements from the initial meeting may resurface. It is worth considering whether the loss of points for the use of the head and the late punches might play a role in the way Donovan approaches the contest. If his words are anything to go by though, the man known as “The Real Deal” doesn’t appear phased at all.

“I think this is part of God’s plan for me to be here, to challenge for this world title,” he said on Matchroom Boxing’s Cards on Table show. “I’m gonna seize this opportunity.”

Time will tell as to just how well he handles the even higher-pressure situation.

What Adjustments Can Lewis Crocker Make? 

Casting an eye to the opposite corner, Crocker knows he will need to turn in a significantly improved effort from his first showing if he is to again emerge victorious.

“I wasn’t myself on the night,“ he said during Matchroom Boxing’s Build Up Documentary. “People have an off-night, I just happened to have mine in my biggest opportunity.”

On several occasions in the first fight, the 28-year-old found himself on the receiving end of his southpaw opponent’s hard straight left hand, and subsequently outstruck 86 to 49 in power punches. This is owed in part to Crocker’s willingness to stay patient on the inside and wait for opportunities, rather than taking a proactive approach. At times, the orthodox fighter was able to land with sharp lead overhands and rear uppercuts, but would often be found flat-footed and hit with three and four-punch combinations.

Conversely, the instances in which Crocker threw caution to the wind and attempted to lead exchanges, Donovan’s own uppercut was able to find the mark on the back of the elusive footwork. Finding the perfect balance is critical if “The Croc” is to make it back-to-back wins. It’s not an easy task against a rival who seems to have all the answers.

Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2 Prediction

Even with the improvements that each fighter will be hoping to implement, I see Donovan’s speed and accuracy being too much of an advantage. After a tempered start, I believe we will see him pull away in the second half to record a unanimous decision win over a gallant Crocker.

Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2 Betting Odds

Per DraftKings SportsBook, Paddy Donovan is the favorite at -700, and Lewis Crocker is the underdog at +450.

Lewis Crocker: TKO/KO +800; Decision +1100

Draw: +1800

Paddy Donovan: TKO/KO -160; Decision +225