SportsOrbit

Northern Ireland’s national football stadium, Windsor Park, is still the favorite to host Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan’s rematch. According to a story on BBC Sport NI, the “tentative date” under consideration is September 20. According to reports, Gordon Lyons, the Communities Minister for Northern Ireland, the Irish Football Association (IFA), and promoter Matchroom Boxing are all eager to see the event through to completion. Today (Thursday) is a crucial meeting with Lyons, and the IFA, who are excited about hosting the welterweight fight, will hold additional discussions later this month. Last month, there were rumors that the rematch could have to stay indoors due to financial constraints, with a return to the SSE Arena being suggested. A crowd of over 16,000 would be required to break even financially, according to the BBC. This is a huge increase from the 8,000 spectators who flocked to Belfast’s SSE Arena for the pair’s first meeting in March. In a battle advertised as an IBF welterweight title eliminator, Donovan (12-1, 9 KOs) of Limerick suffered his first career loss on March 1st when Belfast’s Crocker (20-0, 11 KOs) controversially disqualified him in the ninth round. The IBF partially upheld Donovan’s team’s objection that referee Marcus McDonnell’s verdict, which came after points deductions in rounds six and eight and a last infraction for punches after the bell, was unduly harsh, by ordering an immediate rematch in May. Even though their attempt to have the bout declared a no-contest was denied, there is still a significant desire for a rematch. The victor might face Jaron “Boots” Ennis for the IBF welterweight title, however there are still rumors that Ennis might leave and switch to super-welterweight by the fall. Right now, Crocker is the front-runner, Donovan is two spots behind, and number two is open. If Ennis were to give up his title, the IBF might order the two Irishmen to compete for the empty strap.