Paddy Donovan suffers controversial disqualification loss to Lewis Croker in Belfast

Michael Bolton

Paddy Donovan suffered the first loss of his career in controversial circumstances as he was disqualified against Lewis Croker in the SSE Arena in Belfast.

In an eliminator for the IBF Welterweight title, Donovan was dominating the fight, and looked like a finish was on the way in the eighth round.

However, the Limerick man went in for the kill but landed a huge blow well after the bell.

Referee Marcus McDonnell disqualified Donovan in what was a chaotic end to the fight. Donovan was deducted two points (in rounds six and eight) for illegal use of the head.

Crocker moved to 21-0 and towards a likely IBF welterweight title shot although promoter Eddie Hearn insisted immediately in the ring that he would like to see the Irish duo meet again.

"Paddy Donovan was controlling the fight. [He] was sensational, but the shot was after the bell. Did it warrant an immediate disqualification?" Hearn questioned.

"To be honest, I’d like to see it again. There’s going to be a lot of people who’ll want to see this fight again. The rematch of this fight is huge, but what will the IBF say?

"We’ll have to see how that plays out. Paddy Donovan made a mistake tonight that has cost him a shot at the world title."