Lewis Crocker admission ahead of Paddy Donovan rematch he sees ‘huge difference’ for

Lewis Crocker will face Paddy Donovan in a rematch on September 13 with the IBF world welterweight title on the line

Lewis Crocker has acknowledged the need for a career-best performance to triumph over Paddy Donovan in their upcoming clash.

‘The Croc’ is set to make a return to Windsor Park with his sights set on the IBF world welterweight title, seven years after fighting on Carl Frampton’s undercard at the same venue.

The 28-year-old recognises that “a lot of adjustments” are necessary in the lead-up to the September 13 fight, reports the Irish Mirror.

Reflecting on his last match, Crocker conceded: “At the end of the day, what happened in the last fight wasn’t my fault, but Paddy was winning the fight,”.

“I need to be on my A-game, need to make a lot of adjustments and need to be better. I need to put on the performance of my life.

Crocker, hailing from Sandy Row, senses an increased burden on Donovan due to the outcome of their initial encounter.

“They were saying it was a 50-50 fight last time, whereas it’s not anymore. I’m a massive underdog here so I’ve everything to gain from this fight,” Crocker stated.

“I think 95% of people are going to expect him to win so I think that makes a huge difference.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn has emphasised to Crocker the necessity of elevating his game while highlighting the significant opportunities awaiting the victor.

Hearn remarked: “Lewis has got to be better. He was on his way to losing the first fight. He got a little bit of a gift, Paddy made a big mistake. He didn’t hear the bell or whatever he did and all of a sudden Lewis is gifted the victory. He’s fighting for the world title.

“And really from there, you don’t rematch Paddy Donovan because you’re fighting for the world title.

“Then the rematch gets ordered and it becomes for a world championship and obviously you’ll take the rematch, but when it got announced that it was here, he was like ‘this is just a dream’.

“When I walked out to the semi circle with him earlier, he was like ‘I’m not losing here’ and I said ‘you’re going to have to be better’ and he said ‘I will, don’t worry’.

“I said ‘it’s just you and another man for the world welterweight title. Not just the opportunity of doing it here, the legacy, but what comes beyond that – Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, Conor Benn, Shakur Stevenson, Teofimo Lopez.

“This could be your home. We could do every fight here if you’re fighting those kinds of names.

“I can’t stress the magnitude of this fight and the spoils for the winner.”