Windsor Park Unlikely to Stage Crocker-Donovan Rematch: What’s Next for the Fighters?

A Rematch Full of Hype—But No Homecoming?

It was a night packed with drama, tension, and split-second decisions. Lewis Crocker and Conah Walker delivered the kind of action fans crave—fast-paced, brutal, and hard to predict. But as the dust settles after that unforgettable bout in Belfast, talked about as one of the year’s potential fights of the year, a new question looms: Where will the rematch be held? Many fans hoped for a grand return to Windsor Park, a historic venue close to Crocker's heart. But according to the latest developments, Windsor Park is unlikely to host the rematch anytime soon. Why not? And what does it mean for both fighters moving forward? Let’s break it down.

The Road So Far: Crocker vs. Walker

First, a quick rewind. Lewis Crocker—undefeated until this point—squared off against English contender Conah Walker in April. The stakes were high, and the energy in Belfast’s SSE Arena was electric. What we witnessed was a war of attrition. With both men giving it everything, it ended in a close decision for Crocker. But not everyone agreed with the judges, and soon talk of a rematch started swirling. Fans weren’t ready for the rivalry to end. Walker, naturally disappointed with the outcome, made it clear he believed he’d done enough to take the win. Crocker, on his side, stood firm, insisting he earned the decision. In a sense, both men had something to prove—and that’s exactly what makes the rematch so enticing.

Why Windsor Park Is Off the Table... for Now

Windsor Park, located in Belfast, would seem like the perfect backdrop for a high-profile rematch. It has the space, the history, and importantly, it’s a stadium that gives Crocker that coveted "home crowd" advantage. But here’s the twist. Stadium availability and scheduling conflicts have made it challenging, if not impossible, to secure a date that aligns with both promoters’ timelines and the venue’s calendar. That’s not uncommon in boxing, where venues are often booked out for football matches, concerts, or other events far in advance. According to promoter Jamie Conlan of Conlan Boxing, the dream of an outdoor summer show at Windsor Park simply doesn’t match up with reality. “It’s genuinely difficult to pull off,” he admitted. Timing, cost, and logistics have all become stumbling blocks. So where does that leave us?

The Search for the Next Venue

With Windsor Park off the radar, attention now turns to possible alternatives. Could the rematch stay in Belfast, perhaps returning to the SSE Arena where the first showdown took place? Or would it make sense to head to Walker’s turf in England to keep things balanced? That opens up all sorts of intriguing questions. Would Crocker still retain the same fire with an away crowd? Would Walker deliver an even stronger performance with the home advantage? It also poses questions for fight promoters. Organizing a major boxing event isn’t just about booking a ring and selling tickets. There’s marketing, sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights—and don’t forget, both fighter camps need to agree on the details. Fans might have their preferences, but there’s a business side to this argument as well.

Could a Neutral Venue Be the Answer?

With both sides wanting some sense of home advantage, there’s been talk of a neutral venue. A city like Manchester or Birmingham could appeal—a major UK market, accessible to both sets of fans, and already popular for major boxing events. This approach isn’t unheard of. Neutral venues tend to even the playing field and help avoid any “home cooking” in judging—something that Walker might be especially keen on after the controversial decision in Belfast. Whatever the decision, expect fireworks.

What’s at Stake in the Rematch?

Let’s be clear—this isn’t just about pride anymore. Crocker remains undefeated on paper, but many fans now see him as beatable. That changes the narrative. Is he the true rising star we thought he was, or did Walker expose some cracks in his armor? On the flip side, Walker’s stock has skyrocketed. Even in losing, his credibility grew thanks to a fierce, gritty performance. If he wins the rematch, his path to bigger bouts—and maybe even title shots—gets a whole lot clearer. Both fighters are still young and hungry. One signature win can define a career. A loss, especially in a rematch clouded with controversy, can derail momentum.

Fan Interest at an All-Time High

One thing’s for certain—fans want this rematch. Social media is buzzing. Boxing forums are lighting up. Everyone’s got an opinion on how the rematch should go, where it should happen, and who will take it this time. This puts pressure on promoters to get it right. Fans are invested emotionally—and increasingly, financially. Pay-per-view sales, ticket pricing, venue experience—it all matters more when demand is sky-high. And let’s be honest: boxing needs these kinds of rivalries. The sport thrives on tension, rematches, and a touch of controversy. Crocker vs. Walker has all that in spades.

Final Thoughts: The Fight We Need, Not Just Want

While Windsor Park might not be the battleground for the Crocker vs. Walker sequel, that doesn’t take away from the excitement. If anything, it adds a layer of unpredictability. The first fight gave us drama. The second could give us clarity—or even more chaos. As conversations continue behind closed doors, fans can only hope both camps iron out the details soon. Because fights like this don’t come around every day. Whether it's Belfast, Birmingham, or somewhere in between, one thing’s for sure: the Crocker-Walker rematch is shaping up to be must-watch boxing. And when it does happen, you won't want to miss it.

• Who do you think won the first fight—Crocker or Walker?
• Should the rematch happen in Belfast, England, or neutral ground?
• What venue would give fans the ultimate experience?

Let us know your thoughts—we’re just as curious as you are.