A big controversy unfolded Saturday night at Belfast’s SSE Arena, where Paddy Donovan was disqualified in the 11th round of his IBF welterweight eliminator against fellow Irishman Lewis Crocker. Donovan looked to be on his way to a major statement win when referee Marcus McDonnell ruled that a punch, coming just after the bell, had floored Crocker illegally. Moments later, Crocker’s hand was raised in victory, leaving Donovan and his team fuming.
Within minutes, Keith Sullivan, Donovan’s manager and attorney, had fired off an official complaint to IBF president Darryl Peoples, insisting that Donovan’s disqualification was unjust. They’re demanding an immediate rematch before the IBF grants Crocker a shot at the title – or at least for the mandatory spot to be frozen until a do-over can take place. New Yorker Sullivan says his fighter has a very good chance of overturning the result.
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Donovan’s trainer, Andy Lee, echoed that call, pointing out that Donovan was not only ahead on the cards but had never intended to throw a late shot. Meanwhile, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who works with both fighters, agrees a rematch would be fair, though the ultimate decision lies with an IBF review panel. Hearn notes that although the referee made a tough call in the heat of the moment, such decisions should undergo thorough scrutiny when a crucial eliminator hangs in the balance.
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