• Home
  • Live TV
  • Schedule
  • Betting
  • News
  • Log in
  • Sign up now
  • Help
  • FAQ
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy policy and cookie notice
  • About Us
  • DAZN GROUP
  • NEWS
  • Contact Us
  • DAZN™
Advertisement
Boxing

Why was Paddy Donovan disqualified against Lewis Crocker? Crazy fight ending explained

DAZN
DAZN
Published by Matt Astbury
2, Mar 25
ShareClose
facebook logoFacebooktwitter logoXwhatsApp logoWhatsApplinkedin logoLinkedinreddit logoReddit
image
Sign up now for a DAZN boxing subscription

Belfast's SSE Arena was bouncing on Saturday night for what was a memorable night of boxing. 

Topping the card was the battle of two undefeated welterweights, Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan. 

It was not just Irish boxing bragging rights that were at stake, but also the chance to be in contention to challenge for the IBF welterweight title which is currently held by Jaron 'Boots' Ennis. 

While fight fans could not keep their eyes off the contest, it did end abruptly with controversy. 

DAZN News explains what happened on a night under the lights in Belfast. 

What happened in the Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan fight?

With the backdrop of an electric atmosphere, the contest between Crocker and Donovan exploded into life in round two. 

Crocker was the more economical fighter, committing only when he needed to and this approach meant that Donovan was forced to constantly go after his opponent. 

A cut opened up above Crocker's right eye in the third as Donovan began to target the body. During the contest Donovan had been cautioned multiple times for use of his elbow and in round six, referee Marcus McDonell had enough and deducted a point off the 'Real Deal'. 

  • Read next | Gervonta Davis, Lamont Roach call for rematch after controversial majority draw

Despite this deduction, many felt Donovan was still in control, but he was then hit with another caution in round seven. 

Donovan's stayed on the front foot in round eight opting to march his opponent down, but he was hit with another point deduction for use of the head. 

As the eighth reached its closing stages, Donovan was landing with ease and a body shot had Crocker down. He did manage to get back to his feet and following the sound of the bell to end the round, Donovan hit Crocker with a right hand and McDonell had no choice but to disqualify Donovan which gave Crocker the victory. 

Why was Paddy Donovan disqualified? 

Under Rule 3.38 on the British Boxing Board of Control website, hitting an opponent at the end of the round will not be permitted during a contest. 

As per the above clip, it is clear that Donovan hits Crocker a few seconds after the bell rang at the end of round eight, therefore, McDonell had to disqualify the 'Real Deal'. 

This decision also has effects on Donovan's purse. According to Rule 3.42, a fighter disqualified in a contest will not receive their respective purse until the BBBofC decides how it should be distributed. 

Sign up to a DAZN subscription to watch the very best boxing

DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 180 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC and more.

An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p per fight. Or a Monthly Flex Pass is only £24.99 per month (cancel any time).

It is not just about fight night, a DAZN membership also includes access to documentaries and features, weekly boxing magazine shows, live fight watchalongs, press conferences, weight-ins, open workouts, exclusive interviews and access to training camps, and podcasts and vodcasts.

Sign up right now to watch the biggest stars and best fights. 

For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up click here.

 

More Boxing 

  • Boxing full schedule and calendar
  • DAZN's upcoming Boxing shows
  • Boxing champions list in every division
  • Complete list of undisputed heavyweight boxing champions
  • How do weight classes work?
  • What are the major boxing titles?
  • How is boxing scored?
Fight Night 16 | 2025Fight Night 16 | 2025Paddy DonovanLewis CrockerLewis CrockerBoxingBoxing

Editors' Picks

Boxing

Boxing schedule: Fight dates, TV channel and live stream for confirmed cards

DAZNDAZN
25, May
Boxing schedule: Fight dates, TV channel and live stream for confirmed cards
Boxing

How to subscribe to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPV fights included in your plan

DAZNDAZN
22, May
How to subscribe to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPV fights included in your plan
Boxing

How much does DAZN cost in the United States? Boxing, Champions League, Serie A and more - Subscription price, payment methods, sports to watch, how to watch

DAZNDAZN
25, May
How much does DAZN cost in the United States? Boxing, Champions League, Serie A and more - Subscription price, payment methods, sports to watch, how to watch
See all news
Related news

Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan II confirmed this time with world title on the line at national stadium

DAZNDAZN
24, Jul
Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan II confirmed this time with world title on the line at national stadium

From Windsor Park to the World: Could Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan get world title rematch?

DAZNDAZN
27, Jun
From Windsor Park to the World: Could Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan get world title rematch?

IBF grants huge Irish rematch after controversial disqualification

DAZNDAZN
28, Mar 25
IBF grants huge Irish rematch after controversial disqualification

Paddy Donovan rematch or world title fight? Huge update provided on what is next for Lewis Crocker

DAZNDAZN
3, Mar 25
Paddy Donovan rematch or world title fight? Huge update provided on what is next for Lewis Crocker

Tony Bellew gives scathing verdict on Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan referee

DAZNDAZN
2, Mar 25
Tony Bellew gives scathing verdict on Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan referee