The IBF has ruled that Paddy Donovan has to rematch Lewis Crocker.

Carnage followed their fight on March 1 in Belfast when Donovan, ahead on points and dominated, was disqualified having landed a punch after the bell to close the eighth round.

Team Donovan has granted Team Donovan’s rapid appeal, which came in the immediate aftermath of their fiery clash at the SSE Arena in Northern Ireland.

Donovan’s team moved to prevent Crocker – having won their IBF welterweight eliminator – moving straight on to a title fight.

Team Crocker indicated they had no interest in fighting the Limerick man having become the mandatory challenger for Jaron Ennis.

Keith Sullivan, Donovan’s co-manager with trainer Andy Lee, said, “I am very happy that the IBF agreed with my arguments and evidence, they made the right decision under the rules. The rematch will be even bigger than the first fight. The crowd and fans around the globe absolutely loved it; the atmosphere in the arena was electric. It was a great promotion put on by Matchroom and it is unfortunate it ended as it did, but now Paddy will set the record straight and continue his quest for a world title.” 

Donovan’s appeal called upon various video angles, photographic evidence, expert referee opinion, and a statement from Donovan, who claimed innocence for fouls he had earlier been punished for, losing two points in the fight.

“I am very proud of the support Keith and Andy provided to me during the process,” Donovan stated. “I have a great team around me. I am pleased with the outcome of the appeal. I am eager to get back in the ring to showcase my boxing abilities once again and continue on the path to a world title.”

“Thank you to president [Darryl] Peoples and the IBF,” Lee told BoxingScene. “The world saw what happened on March 1st. We look forward to setting the record straight. It's exciting for Paddy, and we're delighted about it. I'd also like to thank my co-manager, Keith Sullivan, who did a tremendous job with the appeal; such a thorough evidence-based appeal was lodged by him and it's done the job. Thanks to him.”