Lewis Crocker’s team reach out to Manny Pacquiao’s camp over possible world title bout

Lewis Crocker was crowned the IBF world welterweight champion after defeating Paddy Donovan and his team have been exploring his options

A bout with Manny Pacquiao could be on the cards for Lewis Crocker as the Belfast fighter weighs up his options.

Crocker claimed the IBF world welterweight title following his split decision victory over Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park last month. The Sandy Row boxer and his manager Jamie Conlan held talks with Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith in London this week to map out his future plans.

‘The Croc’ has been vocal about wanting to face Conor Benn following the Londoner’s November 15 rematch with Chris Eubank Jr, and it’s believed that clash, or a voluntary defence in Belfast, is the most probable next step for Crocker.

Nevertheless, the 28-year-old’s manager also contacted Pacquiao’s camp on Tuesday to gauge interest in a potential Las Vegas clash between the two fighters. Pacquiao, 46, made his ring return for the first time in nearly four years this July, with his encounter against WBC champion Mario Barrios finishing in a majority draw.

The former eight-weight world champion is eager to meet WBA champion Rolando Romero next, but might consider taking on Crocker should that bout fall through, reports the Irish Mirror.

“I reached out to Sean Gibbons of Manny Pacquiao’s team,” Conlan told BBC Sport NI.

“They are trying to do ‘Rolly’ Romero but if that can’t be done, then we are going to have communication.

“Romero and the WBA Lewis Crocker’s team reach out to Manny Pacquiao’s camp over possible world title bout is their first port of call, but he is strong on the idea if something can be done, it can definitely be looked at. What a rise it would be to fight Manny Pacquiao.”

Conlan stated: “Benn is the fight Crocker wants and he is confident he will beat him.

“That’s all well and good and the numbers are exciting, but you are putting Lewis’ livelihood on hold in hope of what will happen in another fight [Eubank-Benn II] and it doesn’t work like that, so get something booked for Belfast and most likely that’s what will happen next. If they [Matchroom] control the situation with the mandatory, then it can be pushed off and we can do Benn [after a first voluntary].”

Meanwhile, the IBF has called for a welterweight final eliminator between Liam Paro and Paddy Donovan, which could pave the way for a trilogy fight between the Limerick man and Crocker.