Crocker to box for 'all of Belfast' in Donovan bout
Lewis Crocker says support from "all" of his native Belfast will help him overcome Limerick man Paddy Donovan in the all-Irish IBF world welterweight eliminator on Saturday night. In the build-up to the contest at Belfast's SSE Arena, Donovan appeared to make a play for support from Belfast fight fans by reportedly referring to Crocker as being a "Rangers fan".Donovan's coach former world middleweight champion Andy Lee moved to "squash" the issue at the start of Wednesday's pre-fight press conference in Belfast."Paddy was asked about Lewis being a Rangers fan…..it was taken out of context in the headline," said Lee."That's not what it's about for us. These are two great fighters and you're in a for a treat."Crocker wasn't convinced by Lee's explanation. "He doesn't realise I represent all of Belfast. I'm from Sandy Row but I boxed for Holy Trinity," said Crocker, who like Donovan, has an unbeaten record going into the world title eliminator."It's not like that in Belfast – especially in sport. I think he knows he messed up and all of Belfast is behind me."
'Donovan meant to be superstar'
The contest is a battle between two unbeaten fighters with Donovan's boxing skills making him a marginal favourite to add to his 14 career wins. However Crocker, who has won all his 20 fights and secured 11 knockout victories in the process, has vowed to end the Limerick man's unblemished record in emphatic fashion."My record will be 21 and 0 and with 12 KOs after Saturday believe me," added the 28-year-old."Paddy was signed by Matchroom before me and he's meant to be the next superstar but while he was fighting on big cards, I was out of the ring dealing with problems and I just slowly built my way back up here. He's in for the shock of his life on Saturday."Crocker added that sparring with former undisputed world light-welterweight champion Josh Taylor has helped prepare him for the challenge of taking on tricky southpaw Donovan.Donovan, meanwhile, has trained alongside New Zealand's former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker in his build-up to Saturday's contest. "I'm in the best shape of my life. I've had an amazing camp with Joseph Parker and I'm ready now in Belfast to put on a show."
First Belfast bill since Cooney death
Saturday's bill be the first professional boxing card in Belfast since the tragic death of Galway fighter John Cooney earlier this month after he sustained an intracranial haemorrhage in a bill at the Ulster Hall.Promoter Eddie Hearn said the Cooney will be remembered at Saturday's bill which is already close to an 8,000 capacity sell-out."It's a sport that provides great opportunities for young people but it is a dangerous sport," added Hearn."Great fighters like John Cooney must always be remembered and we must always keep evolving as a sport. Saturday is a celebration of that sport which will be done in the right way."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rhyl Journal
8 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Juddmonte confirm Colin Keane to take retained rider role
Keane has ridden several big-race winners for the leading owner-breeders, most recently steering John and Thady Gosden's Field Of Gold to Classic success in the Irish 2,000 Guineas after taking over in the saddle from Kieran Shoemark. With Keane's contract starting immediately, he is set to partner Juddmonte horses trained in Britain, Ireland and France, meaning he will be in line for a number of high-profile rides at Royal Ascot next week including Lead Artist in the Queen Anne, Field Of Gold in the St James's Palace Stakes and Babouche in the Commonwealth Cup. Juddmonte's chief executive, Douglas Erskine Crum, said in a statement: 'In the past we have had retained jockey relationships (including with Pat Eddery, Richard Hughes and James Doyle) but in recent years we have preferred to work with the many talented jockeys retained by our various trainers around the world. 'We have decided that the time has now come to revert to the security and consistency which comes from having a single jockey retainer relationship. We are delighted that Colin Keane has committed himself to Juddmonte. 'He is one of the most exciting and talented riders of his generation, he shares Juddmonte's values, we know him well and we warmly welcome him to the Juddmonte team.' Keane said: 'I have grown up watching these famous colours carried to many victories in all the top races around the globe so it's very special for me to be asked to ride as first jockey for Juddmonte. 'I'm excited to get started and look forward to working with some of the best trainers in Ireland, England, and France. Tony Hind will look after my UK rides as he has worked closely with Juddmonte for many years now through Richard Hughes and Ryan Moore.'
Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Orla Prendergast takes centre stage to help Dragons roar home over Scorchers
The Irish international hit 13 boundaries in her 116, sharing a third wicket stand of 119 with Amy Hunter after Ava Canning had struck twice in the opening over. Hunter hit eight fours in a stylish 62, while Arlene Kelly was also in the runs, making 41 as she and Prendergast added a further 107 for the fourth wicket. Cara Murray chipped in with an even-time 26 in a final total of 284 for seven. Gaby Lewis was clearly the leading threat to the Dragons' hopes, with the Ireland captain racing to 91 out of the first 120 scored before she fell to Bready all-rounder Alana Dalzell, who claimed four wickets in a fine display of swing bowling. Sophie MacMahon hit a valiant 42, but the result was never in doubt. Meanwhile, in the NCU Women's Premiership, Holywood beat Waringstown in the top-of-the-table clash. The Lawn side were in early trouble with star players Amy Caulfield and Charlotte Lyons both back in the pavilion, but they were steadied by a third wicket partnership of 78 between Naomi Matthews, who made an unbeaten 40, and Samantha Bond (28). Tamsin Hope took three wickets, and a final total of 103 for five looked below par. That indeed proved to be the case as Lara Maritz hit six fours in a top score of 46, sharing an opening stand of 65 with Eva Cupitt (20), while Madison Landsman (22 not out) was also in the runs in an eight-wicket win. CSNI are in third place after a 50-run (DLS) win over Lisburn. Skipper Jemma Gillan was once again in the runs, hitting six boundaries in her 43-ball 55. She and Sarah Rountree (28) put on 83 for the second wicket that saw the Stormont side post 148 for three. Lisburn's reply never really got going despite 24 for Amelia Hughes. They were struggling on 47 for six in the 13th over when rain brought a premature end to proceedings. CSNI's bowling unit did well with two wickets apiece for Vanessa Minford, Eva Wilson and Emily Carville. The bowlers were also on top at North Down where Evey Keenan claimed five wickets for just eight runs as Muckamore were bowled out for 60. Kiara Fisher (31) and Gracie Keenan (26) shared an unbroken second wicket stand of 62 to seal a comprehensive nine-wicket win.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Russell Martin's glam ex-model Wag ‘excited' to go to Ibrox now that boyfriend has bagged Rangers job
LU-KINF FORWARD TO IT Russell Martin's glam ex-model Wag 'excited' to go to Ibrox now that boyfriend has bagged Rangers job Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUCY PINDER has told pals she is buzzing about her boyfriend Russell Martin landing the Rangers job and can't wait to go to games. The actress and ex- model — one of the most popular lads' mags pin-ups of the noughties — is said to be 'excited' to see Ibrox rocking on match days. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 3 Lucy Pinder is a former model and is the girlfriend of Rangers boss Russell Martin Credit: PA:Press Association 3 Martin will get to work as the new head coach at Ibrox this week Credit: PA 3 Pinder and Martin together on the beach Credit: Instagram She started dating former Scotland international Martin, 39, last year while he was boss of her beloved Southampton. But Lucy is now looking forward to spending lots of time north of the border with the Teddy Bears' new gaffer. A source close to the beauty, 41, said: 'Lucy has told friends they are very happy and excited to be in Scotland. 'She's a big football fan and looks forward to taking in games at Ibrox. It's an exciting chapter for her and Russell.' Martin, who had a short stint as a Gers player in 2018, has signed a three-year contract as Rangers' head coach. He said in a club video: 'It's been a long, long few weeks, it's been interesting, but it's been good. It's brilliant to be back. I love the city and I love the people.' Lucy's modelling career began in 2003, when she was discovered at 19 by a photographer on Bournemouth beach. She had been planning to go to the University of Winchester to study English literature. Speaking after her sudden rise to fame, Lucy said: 'The weather was so fantastic I threw a sickie and sneaked off to the beach with my friends. 'I was shocked when a bloke came up and asked if he could take some pictures. 'I don't know why I did it, but I'm glad I did.' When lads' mags went out of fashion a decade ago, Lucy had already enjoyed stints on BBC drama Hotel Babylon and shows including The Weakest Link and Celebrity Big Brother. Her film career began in 2012, when she was in comedy horror Strippers vs Werewolves. She later attempted to crack Hollywood and appeared in the movie Sharknado 5. Lucy once said: 'My past modelling career can be a hindrance when trying to get acting roles but that's all part of the fun, trying to change people's perceptions.' Charity pride RUSSELL MARTIN has spoken of his pride in transforming troubled young lives via his charity. He set up the Russell Martin Foundation in 2017 and raised millions of pounds to help people in his home city of Brighton. Russell said: 'Our football programmes have flourished, providing players of all abilities with more opportunities to learn, build confidence and improve health and wellbeing.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
