Paddy Donovan and Lewis Crocker agree to ‘fight each other next’

PADDY Donovan and Lewis Crocker have agreed to face each other next.

The two undefeated Irishmen have been linked for months and, according to Matchroom CEO Frank Smith, they are now ready to clash.

However, the welterweights are yet to agree on a date and venue, although an encounter before the end of the year is the hope for Smith, with Belfast man Crocker expected to get home advantage.

He told IFL TV: “It’s more just a date thing, where it falls, venues etc. That’s the key.

“Both fighters are up for it and both fighters have agreed to that fight next but there is a bit of work to be done on the other details.

“I want it to be in Belfast, it makes sense for it to be in Belfast. It shouldn’t be on an undercard in my opinion.”

Crocker is currently 20-0 (11) and made the step up to 10-round level in December 2023 and has since won three times.

Andy Lee-trained Donovan, 25, is considered one of Ireland’s brightest talents and he added to that burgeoning reputation by stopping Lewis Ritson in May.

The southpaw from Limerick is 14-0 (11) and, like Crocker has had three 10-rounders so far.