Crocker insisted a rematch is warranted and he was keen to make it happen, but nonetheless, is adamant the right call was made at the end of their first fight.
The 28-year-old put his performance in March down to “an off night” but acknowledges he will go into the rematch as an outsider after opinions were split before their first fight.
He accepts he will need a much better performance to leave no room for debate this time around but shot down Donovan’s jibes by saying his rival simply paid the price for breaking the rules.
“I agreed with the decision, but also agreed there should be a rematch,” he said.
“He didn’t knock me out. My eye was shut and I was in trouble at that stage. Paddy made the mistake and paid for it.”
Crocker added he will be a “massive underdog” this time around.
“Nobody wanted the fight to end like that, including myself, and I know I’m a lot better fighter than what I showed. The next day, I rang Jamie (Conlan, manager) and told him to get the rematch sorted.
“Everything has worked out. We were fighting in an eliminator originally, but now it’s for the title. It’s everything I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid and all I’ve ever wanted.
“I have to be better. Paddy is a great fighter and showed that in the last fight. I’m a massive underdog in this fight – nobody’s expecting me to win. To pull off the win, it would be the stuff of dreams.”
