Upcoming Boxing Matchups
In a notable development in the boxing world, two significant matchups have been confirmed, with one highlighting a historic title fight. Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan are set to face off once again on September 13, this time contesting the vacant IBF welterweight title, which adds considerable weight to their rematch. The venue for this showdown will be the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, marking a landmark event as it becomes the first all-Irish world title bout in boxing history.
Earlier this year, Crocker triumphed over Donovan—who hails from Limerick—in a close decision that some critics argued could have gone either way, making the prospect of an immediate rematch a heated topic in boxing circles.
Crocker boasts an undefeated record of 19 wins, with 11 by knockout, while Donovan’s record stands at 13 wins and one defeat, with 9 KOs. The welterweight division is now particularly exciting with Jaron Ennis having vacated the IBF title, creating a competitive landscape that the Crocker-Donovan rematch aims to clarify.
Regis Prograis Returns
In another upcoming bout that fans are eagerly anticipating, Regis Prograis is set to return to the ring on August 2nd as part of a prominent Golden Boy Promotions card in Chicago. Prograis, a former champion with titles from both the WBC and WBA in the super lightweight category, will face Joseph “JoJo” Diaz in a critical 10-round contest on the undercard for the Oscar Duarte versus Kenneth Sims Jr. fight at the Credit Union 1 Arena, which will be live-streamed on DAZN.
Having recently faced two consecutive decision defeats in 2024 against Devin Haney and Jack Catterall, Prograis (with a record of 29 wins and 3 losses, including 24 KOs) is eager to make a comeback and reinforce his status in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions. After missing earlier fight dates due to a shoulder injury, he enters the ring ready to prove he still holds relevance in the sport.
Meanwhile, JoJo Diaz (34-7, 15 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision victory in Tijuana last June, marking his first win after a challenging phase where he faced several defeats against top-tier opponents. As a former champion in two weight classes and an Olympian from 2012, Diaz is well-versed in tackling difficult challenges.
This confluence of events promises to deliver exciting action for boxing enthusiasts and set the stage for some career-defining matches as the fighters prepare for the challenges ahead.
