LEWIS Crocker and Paddy Donovan meet in the ring tonight in one of the most hotly anticipated fights in Irish boxing in recent years.
Bookies and even in the know figures like Michael Conlan are finding it almost impossible to call between the two rising stars.
But the one thing that’s guaranteed is that it’ll definitely be a contest worth tuning in for.
Here’s everything you need to know around how to catch it from your couch:
What time will be the ring walk be for Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan?
It’s always an inexact science predicting when the main event will begin at these cards but all indications are it’ll most likely be around 10pm.
The undercard will get going at Belfast’s SSE Arena from 7pm.
What TV channel is Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan on and can I stream it?
Streaming is the only option to watch it as it’s going to be a DAZN broadcast.
Fans without a subscription will have to buy a monthly plan of €18 a month or a monthly flexible pass that can be cancelled anytime, at a price of €30.
Full Card
- Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan
- Craig Richards vs Padraig McCrory
- Kurt Walker vs Leon Woodstock
- Tommy McCarthy vs Steven Ward
- Ruadhan Farrell vs Gerard Hughes
- Aaron Bowen vs Ali Hussein
- Jack O’Neill vs Rodrigo Matias Areco
What’s been said in the build-up?
Limerick native Donovan has had a taste of the biggest stage – and vowed to feed off it when he squares off with local favourite Crocker.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the winner becoming mandatory challenger for the IBF world title.
It promises to be the kind of occasion that can act as a launchpad towards more major moments coming to the island of Ireland.
And Donovan hopes Saturday will be the beginning of something special.
He told SunSport: “This could be the start of something major in Irish boxing, especially down south.
“We are on a little bit of a drought for big shows and big boxing events. To bring big time boxing back to Ireland would be massive and to be part of it is an amazing feeling.
“I have seen so many kids back home following me now and talking about starting boxing and joining gyms left, right, and centre, so to see the new generation following me is an amazing feeling.”
Donovan takes the responsibility of being a role model very seriously.
He added: “Every kid growing up always had an idol to look up to.
“For me, it was Bernard Dunne and Willie ‘Big Bang’ Casey from Limerick.
“You always had somebody to look up to so you could train and be like them.
“For young kids to look up to me and say, ‘I want to be the next Paddy Donovan’ or see my name up in the big lights ad the big shows happening.
“Their families bringing them to these events gives that kid that extra push to start the sport.
“Whether that be boxing, football, hurling. Just to show they can get into a sport and be successful.”
Big show experience
The 26-year-old is less experienced than Crocker, who has a record of 20-0 to Donovan’s 14-0.
Nonetheless, he has amassed a highlight reel, with the aid of esteemed trainer and fellow Limerick man Andy Lee.
Eleven of his 14 wins have come by way of stoppage, including his last five on the trot.
Along the way, he has gotten a taste for the big time.
On the undercard of Katie Taylor‘s loss to Chantelle Cameron at the 3Arena in May 2023, he beat Sam O’Maison by corner stoppage.
Six months later, before KT got revenge on her rival to become a two-weight undisputed champion, Donovan won the WBA Continental Welterweight Title with a round four stoppage against Danny Ball.
Both nights took place in front of a capacity crowd in Dublin, and left Donovan wanting more.
