The first-ever title fight for the world champion between Irish boxers: who will win.

Debut in large arenas for Paddy Donovan

According to The Sun: Paddy Donovan is preparing for his first fight at a stadium that will take place on Saturday night at Windsor Park in Belfast. In the ring, he will meet Lewis Crocker for the IBF World Welterweight Championship title.

He is 26 years old and aims to claim the title and impress the audience at Thomond Park Stadium in Munster. However, his ambitions do not stop there — he dreams of gathering masses of fans at the main GAA stadium — Croke Park.

Donovan shared on the podcast The Rocky Road: “This is a story, and that is the essence of boxing. We are trying to change the landscape of Irish boxing.'

“We know we have talent on this land. We know we are among the best amateur fighters in the world, but the point is to break through to the professional level and become the world champion.'

“The main focus is Croke Park, the main focus is Thomond Park, the main focus is the biggest arenas and stadiums in Ireland — this is the goal for any Irish boxer.”

“This is what Irish boxing needs, and this is what the Irish demand. I believe I can be the next person to do it.'

“We have seen Katie Taylor giving us so many wonderful nights over the years.'

“But having a male world champion in the welterweight category making history — the first all-Ireland fight for a title on this land — speaks for itself.'

Donovan, who trains under Andy Lee, started his professional career six years ago at Ulster Hall, which holds around 1,000 spectators. In his last fight at SSE Arena in Belfast, even more spectators gathered, but the fight ended in Donovan's disqualification for a late punch.

After the referee's decision was announced, a mass brawl broke out in the crowd.

Donovan (14-1) urged everyone to leave boxing to the boxers and focus on the future with great events.

“I could see signs of this from the ring at the end. I saw that some controversy began in the crowd. That’s not what we want.'

“We want a fair fight between me and Lewis Crocker and give it our all.'

“This is great for Irish boxing — for everyone involved in the sport. This is one of the most significant fights ever to take place on this land. We want the crowd to respect each other and allow us with Crocker to do our job.'

Dreams of Croke Park

“I still think the stadium is not big enough. I want more. I want better. I want Croke Park. I want 80,000 — not 26,000. I want more people. I want more fans.”

“Andy always told me to absorb the opportunity to fight on the biggest stages — so yes, the bigger, the better.”

While Katie Taylor is undoubtedly a standout fighter for Ireland on the world stage, no Irishman currently holds the title.

This may change soon, as Donovan is confident in his victory on Saturday — and then plans to equal Katie Taylor in titles.

Goals for the future

Defining a few well-known opponents he is targeting, Donovan said: “Listen, some boxers say this, but they don’t believe they can reach their highest goal.'

“I know that I can reach the top in this category. I believe I can beat any fighter on the planet. And that’s not boasting.'

“I believe that all my efforts, the people around me, and all the hours of hard work will now come together — I will become the world champion.

“And after that, the biggest fights in the world await us. Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, Conor Benn, Rolando Romero, Brian Norman Jr. — I'm sure all of them will want to test me.”

“Big names — I want the best. Listen, when I become the world champion, everything will change in Irish boxing. We will enjoy the biggest nights in history and won’t settle for just one title win.”

“We want to defend this belt, unify the division, and move forward.”

After training in Dublin, Donovan looks forward to returning to his family after the fight. He is confident that the champion status will not change him.

“No — not as a person. As Andy told me during training, ‘Paddy, nothing really changes. I remember when I got the world champion title. Returning to my wife and just staying normal’.”

“The next morning will be a normal day for me. I will return to my wife and children. That’s it. Nothing will change me. No sport or achievement can change the person I am.”

This Saturday, all eyes will be on Paddy Donovan, as his fight is not just another sporting competition, but an opportunity to make history and elevate the prestige of Irish boxing on the international stage. A victory will open new horizons that could change everything.