Paddy Donovan suffered the first defeat of his career under controversial conditions when he was disqualified in a fight against Lewis Crocker at the SSE Arena in Belfast.
In the IBF welterweight title eliminator, Donovan was in control and looked to have victory in his grasp in the eighth round.
However, the Limerick fighter tried to finish the fight, but landed a powerful blow after the bell had sounded.
Referee Marcus McDonnell disqualified Donovan in a tumultuous finish to the fight. Donovan had two points deducted (in rounds six and eight) for illegal use of the head.
Crocker improved his record to 21-0 and moved closer to a potential IBF welterweight title shot, although promoter Eddie Hearn was quick to express his desire to see the Irish duo fight again.
“Paddy Donovan was in control of the fight. [He] did a great job but the punch came after the bell. Was it worth an immediate disqualification?” Hearn asked.
“Honestly, I would like to see it again. A lot of people will want to see this fight again. A rematch of this fight is huge, but what will the IBF say?
“We'll see where this goes. Paddy Donovan made a mistake today that cost him a shot at the world title.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
