Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn said Donovan’s disqualification was a result of a build-up of offences in the fight.

“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.

“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’.

“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.”

Hearn believes Donovan will be “kicking himself” with the manner of the defeat, irrespective of the controversy.

“Ultimately, Paddy threw the fight away, he just dropped Lewis, he was on the way to victory, he was boxing really well,” he added.

“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.”

Hearn also wanted to see a rematch, potentially at Windsor Park, given the fight sold out the SSE Arena.

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.

“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.

“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.”