Crocker Wins Disqualification Over Paddy Donovan in Controversial Belfast IBF Eliminator Bout
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Belfast, North Ireland (March 2nd, 2025)– In a battle of unbeaten welterweights bidding for a world title shot, in the most controversial ending of a pro bout in 2025 to this point, referee Marcus McDonnell, disqualified 14-0 Paddy Donovan for flooring 21-0 Josh Crocker after the bell in the eighth round. Crocker, cut on both eyes from legal punches, and down in the eighth round, had lost the bout on all three scorecards after the eighth round knockdown.
The bout took place at SSE Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Saturday, March 1, 2025, the main event of a seven bout card, an International Boxing Federation welterweight world title eliminator bout for Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, from which Crocker emerged ranked fourth in the world at 147 pounds by BoxRec. Donovan’s manager and attorney Keith Sullivan immediately filed an appeal with the IBF. Promoter Eddie Hearn has called for a rematch pending the outcome of the appeal.
Both fighters appeared to be leaning with their head. Referee McDonnell warned Donavan in round four, and then penalized Donovan a point in round six, and again in round eight, for use of the head. Crocker is from Belfast. Donovan from Limerick, Ireland. Donavan’s corner complained the referee was not treated the combatants equally in terms of penalties.
According to Donovan’s trainer Andy Lee, referee Marcus McDonnell is a disgrace! We want an immediate rematch before they (the IBF) orders a (world) title fight with Crocker. It will (should) be subject to an appeal. (Manager and attorney) Keith Sullivan is already on the job and we will get justice.”
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