Crocker edges Donovan to win vacant IBF welterweight title in Belfast

Lewis Crocker edged Paddy Donovan by split decision on Saturday night at Windsor Park in Belfast to claim the vacant IBF welterweight title, completing a contentious rivalry that began with a disqualification earlier this year. The 12 round rematch was contested before a near-capacity crowd as the two unbeaten Irishmen fought for the first ever all-Ireland world title.

Two judges awarded Crocker the fight, scoring it 114-112 and 114-113, while the third judge had it 115-111 for Donovan, producing a split decision that left the crowd divided. Crocker landed two decisive left hooks that put Donovan on the canvas in the third and again at the end of the fifth, moments that proved pivotal on the scorecards. Donovan rallied in stretches and finished strongly, but the knockdowns were ultimately the difference, ringside reports said.

The rematch carried extra stakes after their first bout in March ended controversially when referee Marcus McDonnell disqualified Donovan for a punch after the bell in the eighth round while Donovan was leading on the cards. The IBF ordered a rematch, and when former champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis moved up in weight and vacated the belt, the winner in...