From world champion to speak of world domination – Carl Frampton believes Lewis Crocker has what it takes to rule the welterweight scene.
The previous two-weight world champion says Crocker’s latest IBF title win may very well be the beginning of a dominant period for the Belfast man, arguing that the division is there to be taken over by “The Croc.”
‘The Jackal’, who carried Belfast boxing by a few of its largest fashionable nights, feels the brand new champion is completely positioned to grab management of a weight class that has misplaced a few of its previous depth.
With the correct alternatives, he insists, a fighter he earmarked as a standout properly earlier than he turned professional can go from making historical past in Belfast to creating his mark as one of many main welterweights on the planet.
“There are huge fights on the horizon,” Frampton informed BBC Sport. “He has a voluntary defence developing they usually haven’t chosen who, and it may be anybody within the prime 15 of the IBF.
“The welterweight division wasn’t what it was a number of years in the past, and Lewis can go and dominate this division for some time. It’s about getting the correct alternatives and profitable the fights, clearly, however I feel he can go and try this.”
There was speak of a Conor Benn conflict after Crocker defeated Paddy Donovan within the first-ever all-Irish World title combat. With Benn renewing acquaintance with Chris Eubank Jr subsequent month, that bout received’t occur subsequent. Nonetheless, Irish nice, Frampton, can see it occurring down the highway and fancies his fellow Belfast man’s probabilities.
“It might make some huge cash, however I don’t suppose Conor Benn goes to field at welterweight once more,” Frampton mentioned.
“But when a combat like that may be made I’d say to take it with each arms. It might be a really winnable combat for Lewis and there could be loads of dough on the road. You need to keep in mind that Lewis isn’t a small welterweight, so possibly a combat may very well be made at mild middleweight. That combat would put Lewis’ profile into a distinct realm fully.”
Whereas a conflict with Benn would generate main headlines, Frampton stresses that Crocker already has the platform to land massive fights. Being a world champion adjustments the dynamic, he says, and makes the prospect of defences, unifications, and repeat Belfast homecomings rather more real looking.
13 September 2025
Image By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
“Being world champion makes arranging massive fights just a little bit simpler,” he added. “No matter occurs in Lewis’ profession, he can name himself a world champion.
“I wish to see a number of defences and possibly a unification. He’s very able to all that. I hope he retains persevering with to win and coming again to Belfast, that’s necessary.”
