Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan II - Eddie Hearn hails 'master boxer' before fight night

The duo meet at Belfast's Windsor Park six months on from their controversial first bout where the former won by disqualification at the SSE Arena despite trailing on points.

This time around, the stakes are higher, as they battle for the IBF welterweight world title, with the winner poised to become a serious force in the glamour division.

Speaking at a media round table, Matchroom boss Hearn believes that Crocker underperformed on home soil last time around, and that he cannot afford to wait against his foe.

"I thought he was massively underpar in his last performance," he said. "I find it fasciating with the body language this time. I think Crocker's really trying to keep himself low-key.

"Paddy's just turned into this monster. He's braided his hair, and he's really embracing his personality. That might be a good thing or it might be a bad thing. I don't know.

"Crocker's got to let his hands go. He's a very big puncher, and if you're not prepared to sit there and take chances, then you're not going to beat Paddy Donovan.

"Paddy Donovan's a master boxer. You can't stand in front of him with your guard up. You've got to take chances, and you've got to take chances early in this fight.

"The winner is going to be world welterweight champion. It's going to open them up to a fight with Ryan Garcia or Devin Haney or Conor Benn, and a multi-million payday.

"Crocker underperformed in that first fight. He's got to switch it up here. But Paddy is a quality fighter, and you have to see him as the favourite going in. He has the skills."

Matchroom Boxing

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