The mood was more focused than fiery at the Europa Hotel on Wednesday as Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan had their final say ahead of Saturday’s IBF welterweight title eliminator.
Six weeks ago at the same venue both men were keen to engage in verbal sparring, but that gave way to a more measured approach this time around as perhaps the magnitude of what lies ahead is beginning to dawn.
To say this fight has grabbed the attention would be an understatement with promoter Eddie Hearn reporting that their initial set-up of 4,000 was increased and increased again to the stage where they are now just a couple of hundred tickets away from an 8,000 sell-out.
There is so much on the line with that shot at the IBF title in one of boxing’s marquee divisions up for grabs and the opportunity to be that breakout star Hearn believes the winner will go on to be.
But more than anything, there is pride as these two undefeated fighters enter supremely confident having known nothing but victory to this point.
Crocker is perfect through his 20 previous contests, but his Limerick foe has poured cold water on the quality of his CV to date. That has not ruffled the 28-year-old Sandy Row man who, with his tongue firmly in cheek, insists Donovan must therefore be the overwhelming favourite.
“I’ve always said Paddy’s good,” he said.
“He’s saying (he’s) the next superstar and I’m only a British-level fighter. So, I feel like all the pressure is on him. He should be taking me out here in one or two rounds if that’s the case, but I’m here to upset the party.”
Donovan, who was flanked by coach Andy Lee, was keen to play down any suggestions this is anything other than a meeting between two hungry welterweights and wore the look of a man who is equally at ease with what lies ahead.
Both men are convinced they will prove a step too far for the other and the Limerick man, two years Crocker’s junior at 26 with 14 straight wins of his own, feels this weekend and what lies ahead are all part of his destiny.
“I don’t know how Lewis’ camp has gone, but mine has gone absolutely brilliant,” he reported.
“And I work really, really hard. So yeah, look, we’re here and I’m ready. It’s just as simple as that. The talking is done. I’m ready to fight.
“We just do what we always do. Since I turned pro with Andy back in 2019, the goal was to be a world champion.
“No matter the opponents they put in front of me, be it Lewis or anybody else, I’ve got a job to do on Saturday and I’m very, very focused on getting it done. Not a doubt in the world.”
The winner will be next in line to face Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis who has a unification against Eimantas Stanionis, but whoever comes through that fight may feel they have bigger fish to fry and promoter Hearn envisages a situation where the IBF title could become vacant, leaving a golden opportunity for Saturday’s winner.
With all of that on offer, no stone has been left unturned by either man and Belfast’s ‘Croc’ reports he comes in with a clean bill of health and expects a night that will live up to the hype.
“Everything’s physically good, mentally good, sharp as anything, super fit, super strong,” he confirmed.
“I said I was going to be a tough man to beat in the last press conference and that I will be, especially with this crowd behind me.
“I’m super excited for Saturday and the IBF (title) is just around the corner, so the world’s at my feet. What a fight it’s going to be.”