Watch: Donovan dominates but suffers controversial DQ loss as Crocker survives 

The Limerick fighter completely outclassed and overwhelmed his Belfast rival at the SSE Arena only to see victory disappear after landing a fight after the bell 

FLASHPOINT: Lewis Crocker (left) reacts after being struck by Paddy Donovan (right) as referee Marcus McDonnell temporarily pauses the welterweight bout at the SSE Arena, Belfast. Pic: Peter Morrison/PA Wire

Paddy Donovan was left to contemplate a controversial, soul-destroying first loss of his professional career after his meeting with Lewis Crocker ended in chaotic scenes in Belfast on Saturday night. 

The Limerick fighter, under the expert tutelage of Andy Lee, put in a scintillating performance for so much of the highly anticipated clash at a packed and raucous SSE Arena. However he still ended up a loser for the first time ever after a messy and maddening end to the eighth round. 

“The ref took my dreams AWAY tonight”

🎙 @PaddyDonovan23 #CrockerDonovan pic.twitter.com/4b1jPllDEC

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 1, 2025

In total control and well ahead on all scorecards of this IBF welterweight title eliminator, the only blemishes had been self-inflicted, Donovan deducted two points (in rounds six and eight) by referee Marcus McDonnell for illegal use of the head. 

When he floored the outmatched Crocker late in the eighth, victory looked assured. Donovan went in for the kill but then landed a huge blow well after the bell. Referee McDonnell's positioning had done little to help matters and there will surely be major questions facing him. Nonetheless the official wasted little time in signalling a disqualification. 

Paddy Donovan hits Lewis Crocker after the bell and is DISQUALIFIED!!! #CrockerDonovan pic.twitter.com/wUouP4ITYW

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 1, 2025

It meant Crocker moved to 21-0 and towards a likely IBF welterweight title shot although promoter Eddie Hearn insisted immediately in the ring that he would like to see the Irish duo meet again. 

"Paddy Donovan was controlling the fight. [He] was sensational, but the shot was after the bell. Did it warrant an immediate disqualification?" Hearn questioned. 

"To be honest, I’d like to see it again. There’s going to be a lot of people who’ll want to see this fight again. The rematch of this fight is huge, but what will the IBF say? We’ll have to see how that plays out. Paddy Donovan made a mistake tonight that has cost him a shot at the world title."