Promoter Eddie Hearn says he plans to have Lewis Crocker defend his IBF welterweight title in March or April 2026 at Windsor Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Hearn is making arrangements with the government for Crocker (22-0, 11 KOs) to fight in another outdoor event. It won’t be against Conor Benn though, as he says he only wants the WBC 147-lb title. Eddie gave no hints as to who Crocker might face in his first defense.
Crocker still overlooked
Since winning the IBF title, Lewis has been largely ignored by top welterweights Devin Haney, Benn and Ryan Garcia. These fighters are more focused on facing the better known guys at 147.
Crocker, 28, recently captured the vacant IBF title with a 12-round victory over Paddy Donovan on September 13, 2025. He does not yet have the notoriety to be named among the top dogs at 147.
“We’re working with the (Northern Ireland) government there for another big outdoor event. Lewis (Crocker) sometimes feels his name isn’t mentioned around Conor Benn,” promoter Eddie Hearn told Ring Magazine. X about IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker.
No Benn, no problem
“Conor Benn is just stuck with the WBC world title. He’s not really talking 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,” Hearn said.
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 Crocker wants to put on. Chances are he will lose to both of those fighters in his first defense.
Windsor Park back on deck
“I don’t think it will be Conor Benn at that time. We are looking at a big fight for him (Crocker) in March or April again outdoors at Windsor Park (Belfast). Lewis has done excellently, and he will hopefully have a big homecoming fight as world champion in Belfast,” Hearn said.
Last updated on 12/03/2025
