Coach Billy Nelson hoists Lewis Crocker high after his win over Paddy Donovan
Lewis Crocker has split with long-time coach Billy Nelson despite the pair combining for world title success last year.
Crocker defeated Paddy Donovan by split decision at Windsor Park in September to be crowned IBF world welterweight champion, with Nelson in his corner.
However, less than four months later the pair have parted company, with the Sandy Row man having linked up with an unknown new coach in London ahead of his first title defence.
Boxing coach Billy Nelson
When asked about Crocker’s plans for 2026 on X, Glasgow-based Nelson replied: “Lewis has changed coaches.”
In a follow-up response, Nelson added: “Lewis has moved on to a coach in London so I no longer know what going on with him, but I hope he gets a voluntary defence in front of his fans in Belfast.”
Ahead of his fight with Donovan, Crocker spoke effusively about the Scottish coach, who had been talking about opponents for ‘The Croc’ in the new year and was one of the biggest supporters of a meeting with Conor Benn.
“Billy shot me on to where I was, or compared to where I was, so I’m so grateful for Billy, not only as a coach, but I have him as a friend as well,” said the Belfast man.
“To have Billy in my corner and since I met him my life’s changed and here we are, touching the distance of a world title.
“I just think the bond that me and Billy have is different. I came here to (Scotland to) Billy with nothing, and now I’m on the cusp of winning the world title here. So, you know, he’s changed my life.”