The US-based sanctioning body ordered a rematch between the pair in May, having somewhat sided with a protest from Donovan’s team. That was, despite having points deducted in rounds six and eight, he was harshly treated when finally thrown out by referee Marcus McDonnell for persistent fouls, culminating with heavy blows landed after the bell in round nine. Their desire to have the initial fight ruled as a no-contest was not granted.
Either way, there has been a desire on all sides for a rematch, but the where and when is still to be decided.
In the aftermath of their first meeting, Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport’s boss and promoter of both fighters, indicated an interest in moving the rematch outdoors, but that came with the caveat of it making financial sense.
There is, of course, precedent for the NI Executive to bolster an outdoor mega fight. In September 2013, it backed Frampton’s IBF super-bantamweight title win over Kiko Martinez with a purpose-built, 16,000 stadium built at Titanic Slipways.
That night bolstered the local economy by millions and although this event is not on such a scale, it would prove a huge shot in the arm.
Although it is uncertain whether Ennis will vacate his title and step up to light-middleweight by autumn, the winner could be set with the task of taking on the American for a portion of the title from one of boxing’s marquee divisions or indeed, win the vacant strap.
