THE LIST of options for Lewis Crocker’s first defence of his IBF welterweight title now includes a boxing legend.
Crocker, 22-0 (11 KOs), came through his second all-Irish clash with Paddy Donovan last month, winning a split decision to claim his first world title to the delight of his home support at Windsor Park in Belfast.
Since then, the 28-year-old has made no secret of his desire to face Conor Benn. The Londoner, however, has his own business to settle against Chris Eubank Jr when they meet at middleweight on November 15 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Crocker’s manager, Jamie Conlan, told BBC Sport NI that while there’s clear financial appeal in a fight with Benn, he doesn’t want “The Croc” waiting around for “The Destroyer.”
“The numbers are exciting, but you are putting Lewis’ livelihood on hold in hope of what will happen in another fight [Eubank-Benn II] and it doesn’t work like that, so get something booked for Belfast and most likely that’s what will happen next. If they [Matchroom] control the situation with the mandatory, then it can be pushed off and we can do Benn [after a first voluntary].”
An unexpected name has since entered the mix — eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, 62-8-3 (39 KOs).
The 46-year-old ended his four-year absence from the ring in July, pushing WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a draw. Later this year, Pacquiao’s promotional company, MPP Promotions, will stage its first show in the United States as part of a plan to make a bigger impact on the American scene.
His own in-ring future, however, remains uncertain. Pacquiao had been heavily linked to a bout with WBA titleholder Rolando Romero in January, but the sanctioning body confirmed this week that Romero must first defend against mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov.
Pacquiao has also been linked to a veterans’ super-fight with retired Ukrainian maestro Vasyl Lomachenko. But according to Conlan, there have been discussions about Crocker defending his world title against the Filipino legend.
“I reached out to Sean Gibbons of Manny Pacquiao’s team last night [Tuesday],” Conlan told BBC Sport NI.
“They are trying to do ‘Rolly’ Romero but if that can’t be done, then we are going to have communication.
“Romero and the WBA [title] is their first port of call, but he is strong on the idea if something can be done, it can definitely be looked at. What a rise it would be to fight Manny Pacquiao.”
Pacquiao has only faced British or Irish opposition once before — when he famously knocked out the late Ricky Hatton in two rounds back in 2009.
Whether or not Crocker vs Pacquiao becomes a reality remains to be seen, but the Belfast man’s profile continues to grow after that unforgettable night at Windsor Park.
