Lewis Crocker set to defend IBF world title at Windsor Park next spring
Lewis Crocker is set for a highly anticipated return to Windsor Park next spring, where he will put his IBF world welterweight title on the line in a voluntary defence.
The Belfast boxer claimed the vacant belt in dramatic style, edging out Paddy Donovan by split decision before a packed crowd at Northern Ireland’s national football stadium in September.
That bout, a rematch following Donovan’s controversial disqualification in March, also marked the first time boxing had graced Windsor Park since Carl Frampton’s memorable win over Luke Jackson in August 2018.
Promoters have earmarked April 11 for Crocker’s title defence, with confirmation of his next opponent expected within the next two weeks.
Undefeated in 22 professional bouts, Crocker has made no secret of his ambition to face Conor Benn, who recently dispatched Chris Eubank Jr in a commanding display at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 15.
Ahead of that fight, Crocker’s manager Jamie Conlan told BBC Sport NI that both Benn and WBC champion Mario Barrios were under consideration for the 28-year-old’s future plans.
Despite Crocker’s public call-outs, Benn told Boxing News this week that the Belfast man “is not really a name that is on my radar”.
Should Crocker emerge victorious in April, expectations are that he will make a quick turnaround and return to the ring for another bout in late summer.