Lewis Crocker Eyes Conor Benn Showdown After Claiming IBF Welterweight Title
IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker says his recent title win gives him bargaining power as he targets major fights, including a potential bout with Conor Benn.
Lewis Crocker believes securing the IBF welterweight world title has given him the bargaining power to target major matchups.
The 28-year-old from Belfast edged out Paddy Donovan via split decision at Windsor Park, scoring knockdowns in rounds three and five. The victory positions Crocker for a voluntary title defence against an IBF top-15 contender, with names such as Jack Catterall and Ekow Essuman on the radar.
Big fight ambitions
While Conor Benn is not currently ranked by the IBF, Crocker insists he is willing to face the former British champion, regardless of weight. Benn is scheduled for a second bout with Chris Eubank Jr at middleweight in November, but Crocker says dropping back to 147lb would not deter him.
“I’ll fight Conor Benn anywhere,” Crocker said. “It’s a huge domestic fight and now I have the world title, I hold that bargaining chip.”
Reacting to the decision
Some observers questioned the judges’ scores, but Crocker is content with the outcome. “I recorded two knockdowns and won three more rounds,” he said. “The judges got it right.” He added that waking up without the stitches he had during their first encounter in March felt “phenomenal” and that he could have boxed another 12 rounds.
Community celebrations
Crocker received a civic reception at Belfast City Hall, hosted by Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly, who praised the champion’s achievements as an inspiration for local youth. “Lewis’s success shows what hard work and dedication can achieve,” Kelly said.
Crocker believes his world title status now puts him in prime position to secure major bouts, including a domestic showdown with Conor Benn.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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