‘A Star is Born’ : Paddy Donovan Plans to Beat Crocker, Become Champion and Light Up Croke Park
Paddy Donovan says Saturday will be the night a new Irish superstar – who will one day light up Croke Park – is born.
‘The Real Deal’ is confident he will become IBF welterweight world champion in Windsor Park this weekend and believes that victory over Lewis Crocker could open the door to fights in a much bigger stadium.
While his focus is firmly on the job at hand, the Andy Lee-trained welter admits he can already see what life might look like after a win—and the picture is painted on the grandest of stages.
“I’m ready to be world champion. It’s been that way since I turned professional—and now is my hour,” Donovan declared when speaking to Irish-boxing.com.
“September 13th, you’re going to see a new Irish superstar—it’s as simple as that.”
Those words carry weight, especially when paired with the ambition Donovan and his team are already hinting at. If he wins the vacant strap, the 26-year-old feels he could headline events at some of Ireland’s most iconic venues, including Croke Park, Thomond Park, or the 3Arena.
“It could be the 3Arena—or even Croker. It depends on the event, depends on the fight, but yeah, it’s very, very possible.”
The “Real Deal” is excited by the talk but quick to remind everyone that none of it matters without beating Crocker.
“I still have a big fight ahead of me,” Donovan stressed. “I’m not looking past it. I have to get that job done. But after that—anything is possible.”
While the idea of more stadium shows are tantalising, Donovan, who suffered a controversial disqualification defeat in the pairs first meeting, insists the immediate story is about having his hand raised live on DAZN this weekend.
“Last time was perfect. I executed everything to the tee. I believe I won. But we’ll right the rights and wrong the wrongs next time properly on Saturday.”
