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Boxing
Donovan issues Crocker trilogy demand after Chukhadzhian victory
Usyk vs. Verhoeven: Only on DAZN PPV - Saturday
Paddy Donovan pushed for a Lewis Crocker trilogy after defeating Karen Chukhadzhian in their IBF welterweight eliminator.
'The Real Deal' bounced back from his Windsor Park title heartbreak last September with victory on Friday in Mannheim.
Donovan, who was disqualified in his first bout with Crocker before losing a split decision in his second, now wants a third.
Speaking afterwards following an arguable career-best win over Chukhadzhian, the star threw down the gauntlet to his rival.
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"It's the biggest fight in Irish boxing history and it's demanded by the Irish fans," he told Boxing Scene on a trilogy.
"Everybody in the land if Ireland wants to see this fight for the third time. So, if Lewis is down, let's make it happen."
Donovan's hopes hinge on Crocker coming through his first title defence against Liam Paro in Brisbane on June 24.
'The Croc' was forced to postpone his original bout through injury from April, but will now head down under next month.
Will Crocker-Donovan III deliver showreel finale?
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
So, Paddy Donovan has held up his end of the deal. Now, the question is whether Lewis Crocker can do the same too.
If 'The Croc' comes back from Queensland with his crown intact, then the likelihood of a late 2026 trilogy will materialise.
Donovan feels there is unfinished business, of course. He led on the scorecards in their first bout before he was disqualified.
Then, in their second bout, he likely would have got the win were it not for two early knockdowns before a brilliant Belfast crowd.
Fight fans across the Irish Sea will be desperate to see Crocker succeed, if only to tee up this tussle again. The pressure is on.
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