Lewis Crocker v Paddy Donovan - Tale of the Tape: Weight, height, reach, trainers, records & more

We analyse the credentials and statistics of Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan as the Irish welterweight rivals get set to lock horns in Belfast this Saturday night.

Belfast is one of the best fight cities in the United Kingdom and is known for its passionate fans.

On Saturday 1st March, supporters are in for a treat as hometown hero, Lewis Crocker, battles Limerick’s Paddy Donovan, at the SSE Odyssey Arena, in an eliminator for the IBF welterweight title.

Crocker has been in fine form lately, breaking through with his crowd-pleasing style, however Donovan will pose a stylistic problem he is yet to face as a professional.

Has ‘The Croc’ bitten off more than he can chew?

Thankfully, we don't have to wait too long to find out, but before then let's take a look at the 'Tale of the Tape'.

Lewis Crocker v Paddy Donovan - Tale of the Tape

	Lewis Crocker	Paddy Donovan
Age:	28	26
Nickname:	'The Croc'	'The Real Deal'
Height:	5ft 9ins	5ft 9ins
Reach:	N/A	N/A
Weight:	Welterweight	Welterweight
Trainer:	Billy Nelson	Andy Lee
Record:	20-0 (11 KOs)	14-0 (11 KOs)
Last Fight:	Won (UD) v Conah Walker (June 2024)	Won (TKO) v Lewis Ritson (May2024)

Lewis Crocker - In Profile

Lewis Crocker is one of the most entertaining fighters in Britain.

Coming forward behind a high guard, the Belfast man looks to inflict damage at every available opportunity.

In many ways, he is reminiscent of a welterweight Arthur Abraham.

If ‘The Croc’ goes on to have a fraction of the success the German earned, he will have done well.

As fan-friendly as the 28-year-old is, he has his flaws - being drawn into a battle with Conah Walker, in June, due to his instance on staying in range, proves this.

Yes, it allows him to apply pressure, but it also offers the opponent the chance to land their own shots.

On the eye, Donovan is the flashier, better-schooled fighter of the two, but technique is not always the deciding factor in a prize fight.

If Crocker can catch the counters of Donovan on his high guard, while landing punishing punches of his own, he could well score a monumental victory in front of his hometown fans.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Tight, high guard	Throws wide hooks
Applies pressure	Stays in range too long
Combination punching	Moves back in straight lines
Body shots	Neglects his jab

Paddy Donovan - In Profile

With a strong amateur pedigree, the looks of an early 2000s boyband member and a former world champion, in the form of Andy Lee, in his corner, it is hardly surprising that Paddy Donovan was snapped up on a promotional contract with Top Rank.

However, injuries and the Covid-19 pandemic prevented ‘The Real Deal’ from progressing at the rate he, and his team, would have hoped for.

In 2023, the Limerick southpaw parted company with Bob Arum’s outfit and has since built some momentum in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The talent which caught the eye of Top Rank is often evident; the way in which he turns opponents, perfectly timed left hands and blistering hand speed are all calling cards of Donovan.

Yet, there is also signs which may indicate why the American promoters opted not to renew his deal; the Irishman can be hit and waiting for the perfect shot, he can let rounds slip away.

There remains the feeling that we are yet to see the best of Donovan, and perhaps, Lewis Crocker is the opponent to help the 26-year-old realise his potential.

Donovan simply cannot allow himself to be pushed back to the ropes by the aggressive Belfast puncher.

Will he rise to the occasion?

Only time will tell.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Use of angles	Can be pushed back to the ropes
Hand speed	Doesn't utilise feints enough
Counter punching	Sometimes leaves head on centre line when throwing
Timing	Has been outworked in rounds