Donovan was distraught following the decision by referee Marcus McDonnell, while Crocker's unbeaten record remains intact and he now becomes mandatory challenger for the IBF World welterweight belt, currently held by American Jaron 'Boots' Ennis.

It was not throwing the late punch that triggered Paddy Donovan's dismissal but the consequence of its impact, writes Elliot Worsell

Paddy Donovan was in control against Lewis Crocker but, after being dedicated two points for headbutts, the rising star was disqualified for hitting his Irish rival after the bell.

Paddy Donovan looked to be on his way to becoming the mandatory challenger for the IBF world welterweight title on Saturday night before being disqualified

Promoter Eddie Hearn was last night caught in a crossfire, but came out admitting he felt it was only fair that Paddy Donovan landed a rematch with Lewis Crocker

Paddy Donovan thought he had just secured a shot at a world title after knocking Lewis Crocker down for a second time in an IBF world welterweight title final eliminator on Saturday night

Paddy Donovan vowed "I'll be back" after suffering his first loss as a professional in controversial circumstances on Saturday night. The Limerick man dominated Lewis Crocker in the IBF world welterweight title final eliminator before referee Marcus McDonnell disqualified him for hitting the Belfast man after the final bell had sounded in the eighth round.

Lewis Crocker (20-0, 11 KOs) and Paddy Donovan (14-0, 11 KOs) will soon clash in a welterweight fight. Their 12-round bout headlines a Matchroom Boxing card at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

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