Lewis Crocker returns to the ring in December, when he will face former English champion Owen Cooper in Belfast. The bout is scheduled for 19 December at The O2 in Belfast, and will take place on the same card where Anthony Cacace and Nick Box fight for the super flyweight world title.
Crocker has announced his return after losing his first defence of the IBF welterweight title to Liam Paro. All three judges awarded Paro the victory with scores of 115-113, making Paro a champion in two weight divisions. Crocker’s record has thus fallen to 22 wins and one loss.
The journey home from Australia in June was a longer one for Crocker, as he reflected on his defeat to Paro during the flight. His first world title defence did not take place in his hometown, but more than 10,000 miles away, on the east coast of Australia. Crocker stated that the opportunity to defend the world title in Australia was a childhood dream, but also said it would be nice to have his first defence in Belfast, though in the end it does not matter.
Crocker said he lost a close decision in the world title fight against the two-time world champion, and that he felt he had injured Paro on several occasions, while Paro held on. He emphasised that his main goal now is to become a two-time world champion. Crocker won the IBF welterweight title last September in Belfast, at Windsor Park, against Paddy Donovan.
Crocker now faces Owen Cooper, a 26-year-old boxer with a record of 12 wins and two losses. Crocker has insisted he is not looking beyond Cooper. Crocker is under the Matchroom banner and will fight on a Queensberry card. He has promised fans a 'Christmas Crocker' that evening.
Regarding future challenges, Paddy Donovan is next in line for a fight with Liam Paro. Ryan Garcia holds the WBC title, Teofimo Lopez the WBA, and Devin Haney the WBO. Crocker said that a second title bid at Windsor Park, where he won his first against Donovan, would be brilliant, noting there are four world titles and that each would be excellent.
