Crocker-Donovan 2: Belfast fighter wins world title on split decision at Windsor Park

Donovan entered to ‘Better Off Alone’ and although he was away from his native Limerick, he also had a large support to greet him.

He also sought to greet Crocker into the ring but the Belfast man was not interested in engaging as he moved to his corner, gripping his feet to the canvas as a sign he was ready for action.

The Belfast man seemed to be in something of a zone, refusing to be knocked out of stride which was perhaps a prelude of things to come as he boxed with discipline for the most part.

It was the first fight at Windsor Park since Carl Frampton defeated Luke Jackson at the venue in 2018 – a night when an up-and-coming Crocker appeared on the undercard – and ‘The Jackal’ kept a close brief at ringside, watching as Belfast saluted its latest hero.

It was a slow burner as although Donovan entered with his confidence sky high with a good performance in the first meeting despite losing by disqualification, he was still clearly respectful of the danger in front.

The pre-fight narrative was that Crocker perhaps needed a fast start, but he had his own game-plan and after a cagey couple of rounds from both, the first big moment arrived in the third.

Crocker’s approach from the first fight had noticeably changed as he seemed happy to stay at range, seeking to draw Donovan’s lead and counter, getting a brief opportunity in the second as he let his right hand go in another tentative round from the pair.

That approach paid off to an extent in the third as he timed the Limerick man was clipped on the way in as although he seemed more off balance, a punch landed and referee Howard Foster issued a count.

It injected some urgency into Donovan, who finished the round well, and the fight began to open up in the fourth, with both landing simultaneously with hooks, but it was Crocker who took the backwards step.

Donovan seemed well on his way to winning the fifth off his jab and sought to put a stamp on it late in the round, but the counter Crocker had been looking for was there and he detonated a rapid left that dropped the Limerick man for a second time and clearly stung.