\n<\/p>\n
Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn said Donovan’s disqualification was a result of a build-up of offences in the fight.<\/p>\n
“I’m still trying to get my head around what has happened, and it is difficult for me because I represent both of them,” he explained.<\/p>\n
“Paddy has been saying to me, ‘you need to back me I should never have been disqualified’, and Lewis will be saying, ‘he hit me after the bell you have to back me’.<\/p>\n
“All I can do is be honest, Paddy landed the shot after the bell. If it’s an isolated incident, I don’t think he gets disqualified, I think the referee gives Lewis time to recover and the fight continues, but the headbutts and the points deductions are all mixed in.”<\/p>\n
Hearn believes Donovan will be “kicking himself” with the manner of the defeat, irrespective of the controversy.<\/p>\n
“Ultimately, Paddy threw the fight away, he just dropped Lewis, he was on the way to victory, he was boxing really well,” he added.<\/p>\n
“The only rounds Lewis had on him were those that Paddy had a points deduction. I think Lewis can perform a lot better than that, but Paddy was exceptional.”<\/p>\n
Hearn also wanted to see a rematch, potentially at Windsor Park, given the fight sold out the SSE Arena.<\/p>\n
He conceded, however, the IBF’s decision will dictate what happens next and Northern Irishman Crocker could easily reject a rematch, given the 28-year-old now has a chance of a world title fight.<\/p>\n
“I am going to talk to Lewis about a rematch, I would like to see it, but I also understand there is an opportunity for him to fight for a world title,” Hearn added.<\/p>\n
“I think it will come down to the IBF. If they order a rematch, the rematch is on. If not, maybe Lewis sits back and says, ‘no I’m good thanks’, and waits for his shot at the world title.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n