Promoter Eddie Hearn says he\u2019s planning to have Lewis Crocker defend his IBF welterweight title in March or April 2026 at Windsor Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
Hearn is making arrangements with the government for Crocker (22-0, 11 KOs) to fight in another outdoor event. It won\u2019t be against Conor Benn, though, as he says he only wants the WBC 147-lb title. Eddie didn\u2019t give any hints about who Crocker could face in his first defense.<\/p>\n
Crocker Still Overlooked<\/p>\n
Since winning the IBF title, Lewis has been largely ignored by the top welterweights, Devin Haney, Benn, and Ryan Garcia. Those fighters are more focused on facing the better-known guys at 147.<\/p>\n
Crocker, 28, captured the IBF vacant title recently with a 12-round split decision win over Paddy Donovan on September 13, 2025. He doesn\u2019t have the notoriety yet for him to be mentioned among the top dogs at 147.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working with the government [Northern Ireland] there for another big outdoor event. Lewis [Crocker] sometimes feels his name doesn\u2019t get mentioned around Conor Benn,\u201d said promoter Eddie Hearn to Ring Magazine on X<\/a> about IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker.<\/p>\n No Benn, No Problem<\/p>\n \u201cConor Benn is just fixated with the WBC world title. He doesn\u2019t really talk about [WBA champion Rolando] Romero or [WBO champion Devin] Haney. He just wants to win that green and gold. But the Lewis Crocker fight is still there,\u201d said Hearn.<\/p>\n A more realistic option for Crocker would be IBF-ranked contender #1 Liam Paro or #11 Jack Catterall. It depends on how much risk Hearn wants to put Crocker in. The chances are high that he\u2019d lose to both of those fighters in his first defense.<\/p>\n Windsor Park Back on Deck<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think it will be Conor Benn around that time. We\u2019re looking at a big fight for him [Crocker] in March or April outdoors again at Windsor Park [Belfast]. Lewis has done extremely well, and he\u2019ll hopefully have a big homecoming fight as world champion back in Belfast,\u201d said Hearn.<\/p>\n Robert Segal has been a key voice at Boxing News 24, delivering fight news, previews, and analysis with a direct, insider edge. Covering the sport for over a decade, his work highlights champions, contenders, and rising talent worldwide. Known for his sharp ringside perspective, Robert brings fans closer to the action with straightforward, knowledgeable reporting.<\/p>\n