Crocker targets return to world title contention after June defeat
Lewis Crocker lost to Liam Paro in Brisbane in June in his first defence of the IBF welterweight title, with all three judges scoring the fight 115-113 for Paro; the defeat left Crocker with a 22-1 record. He has spoken of his determination to reclaim a world title and is preparing for further action as he plans the next steps of his career.
The Australian Liam Paro became a two-weight world champion with the victory, denying Crocker a successful defence of the belt he won last September at Windsor Park in Belfast against Paddy Donovan. Crocker delivered a strong finish in the closing rounds and appeared close to a stoppage, but Paro held on to secure the decision. The trip home from Australia in June gave Crocker time to reflect on what he described as a narrow loss.
Reflecting on the Brisbane defeat, Crocker said, "Shoulda, woulda, coulda," and added: "I got beaten on a very close decision in a world title fight against a two-weight world champion," Crocker told BBC Sport NI. "I gained experience from it anyway, and at 29 I've still got plenty more for whatever opportunity is coming. "I felt like I had him hurt a lot of times and he was holding, if he gets a point taken off then I win the fight. Shoulda, woulda, coulda... "That was a long fight back, but I'm over it because I know I'm right there. My main focus now is going to be a two-time world champion."
Crocker's next campaign will begin on home soil, where promotional arrangements see him, promoted by Matchroom, appear on a Queensberry-promoted card in Belfast. He has expressed pleasure at returning to Belfast and has promised fans a "Christmas Crocker" on the night. The move brings him back to familiar surroundings after defending his title overseas.
Crocker remains focused on his immediate opponent rather than long-term plans, saying: "It would have been great to have a first defence in Belfast, but ultimately it doesn't matter - there's still two men getting into the ring." He added: "It's good to be back in Belfast anyway, and get on the road to two-time world champion. "More than anything now, I want to be a two-time world champion and we've a great plan ahead but I'm not looking past Owen, because he's a great fighter and I'm expecting a really tough test." The opponent he referenced is former English champion Owen Cooper, listed 12-2 in the bout announcement.
Crocker acknowledged the broader activity at welterweight, with his old rival Paddy Donovan positioned to face Paro next, while other world titles in the division are held by Ryan Garcia [WBC], Teofimo Lopez [WBA] and Devin Haney [WBO]. Those titles form the landscape to which Crocker aims to return as he rebuilds after his first professional loss.
The next confirmed step for Crocker is a scheduled fight at The O2 in Belfast on 19 December, when he will face Owen Cooper [12-2] on the undercard of the Anthony Cacace v Nick Ball world super-featherweight title clash.