World title is my bargaining chip – Crocker

Newly crowned IBF world welterweight champion Lewis Crocker believes he now has the “bargaining chip” to move on to some huge fights.

The Belfast man defeated Paddy Donovan by way of a split decision at Windsor Park on Saturday, dropping his opponent in rounds three and five along the way.

It now leaves him in a healthy position, with his first defence most likely a voluntary against someone in the IBF’s top 15, which includes a number of domestic names in like Jack Catterall and Ekow Essuman.

Conor Benn, although not currently ranked, has been mentioned more than once since Saturday, but with a second fight against Chris Eubank Jr at middleweight to come in November, dropping back to the 147lb division may not be straightforward.

“I’ll fight Conor Benn anywhere,” Crocker told BBC Sport NI on Tuesday.

Despite Crocker scoring two 10-8 rounds on Saturday, some felt Donovan had won enough of the remaining rounds to edge home.

Most at ringside agreed it was close and with Crocker producing a much better performance than his first fight with Donovan in March, the 28-year-old is non-plussed about outside opinions and is simply happy to give young boxers from the city someone new to look up to.

“I had two knockdowns and know I won three of the rounds after. All I know is the judges had it right,” he said.

“Compared to the last fight where I had stitches, waking up yesterday was phenomenal. I feel brilliant and feel like I could go another 12 rounds.

“It was a great fight, great night, a great moment for my family, myself and for Belfast.

“There will have been kids at the arena and it will have inspired them to one day be in the position I’m in. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Crocker was at a reception at Belfast City Hall hosted by the city’s Lord Mayor, Tracy Kelly, who, like the new world champion, is a resident of Sandy Row in the south of the city.

“I’m so proud of Lewis and can’t believe he’s standing here as a world champion from our community,” said Kelly.