Crocker v Donovan 2: World title bout at Windsor Park could define careers

Crocker may have underperformed in the first fight, but his tactics also seemed off.

His high guard with elbows tucked in, while staying on Donovan’s toes, may have smothered the Limerick man initially, but as the rounds ticked by, Donovan found a flow having made his own adjustments.

Perhaps starting much faster and letting his heavy hands go early is what the Belfast man needs to do in order to stamp some authority on proceedings.

However, it is highly unlikely Donovan and his coach, Andy Lee, have not considered that possibility and they too will likely try and tweak their approach to stay one step ahead.

Lee has called on his man to be “ruthless” this time around, as while his silky southpaw skills and superb footwork are major attributes, the Limerick man also carries power.

What let him down last time was indiscipline as while Crocker was crouching with his head forward at times, Donovan was penalised for use of the head and elbow before the final offence saw his excellent performance undone.

The ability to handle the occasion will play a part in what is potentially a career-defining night for the pair.

History awaits, as do the keys to the kingdom, vindication, glory and redemption.

“This is not just a rematch, but a rematch with edge,” said BBC 5 Live’s Steve Bunce.

“If you get to look at the end of that (first) fight, it was incredible and we are going to get to go over that ground again, so that’s what makes this special.

“Paddy Donovan has got the rematch he wanted, Lewis Crocker has got a fight in front of 20,000 people he wanted and Belfast has a night it will remember for a long time.”