A hugely dramatic night in Belfast ended in chaotic scenes as Lewis Crocker was awarded the win in his IBF world title eliminator after opponent Paddy Donovan was disqualified at the end of the eighth round.
Crocker's unbeaten professional record survived after referee Marcus McDonnell called time on a thrilling contest because Donovan landed with a big right hand delivered after the bell.
The sudden conclusion came just after the Limerick fighter had sent Crocker down with a huge shot.
Donovan earlier had points deducted in rounds six and eight for use of the elbow and head.
The dramatic finish resulted in confusion as Donovan initially thought he had secured the knockout before realising McDonnell had disqualified him.
"The crowd is ferocious in here. They say I hit him after the bell, but I thought I hit him on the bell," Donovan told DAZN.
"You can see Lewis was a beaten man and I won the fight fair and square. The ref took my dreams away tonight."
Donovan added: "We're going to appeal the decision and I want an automatic rematch right on the spot."
Comments
Post a Comment