Trainer Andy Lee has urged Paddy Donovan to be “ruthless” when he takes on Lewis Crocker for the vacant IBF welterweight title on 13 September in Belfast.

Donovan was in a commanding position when he first faced Crocker on 1 March but was disqualified at the end of the eighth round for punching after the bell, following two earlier points deductions for use of the head and elbow.

Following his disqualification, Donovan’s team successfully lobbied for a rematch which was granted by the IBF, but the result of the first fight stood.

That first fight was a final eliminator for the world title, but with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis since vacating to move up to the light-middleweight division, the title is now on the line for the rematch to be staged at Windsor Park.

The opportunity to make up for his disappointment last time is a motivating factor but Lee, Donovan’s head coach, does not believe his man needs to drastically change much aside from ending the argument as soon as the chance presents itself.

“The tweaks are more on his [Crocker’s] side,” Lee told BBC Sport NI.

“Does he become more aggressive or try to be more adventurous with his punch output? If he does, he’s going to leave himself more open.

“My advice to Paddy is to be ruthless and when you get your chance, take him out. He might have had the chance last time but was enjoying it too much, so now he has to go out there and grab his title.”