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 current IBF title win could possibly 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 way of a few of its greatest 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 proper alternatives, he insists, a fighter he earmarked as a standout effectively 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 large fights on the horizon,” Frampton advised BBC Sport. “He has a voluntary defence arising and so they haven’t chosen who, and it may be anybody within the high 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 proper alternatives and successful the fights, clearly, however I believe he can go and do this.”
There was discuss of a Conor Benn conflict after Crocker defeated Paddy Donovan within the first-ever all-Irish World title battle. With Benn renewing acquaintance with Chris Eubank Jr subsequent month, that bout received’t occur subsequent. Nevertheless, Irish nice, Frampton, can see it taking place down the highway and fancies his fellow Belfast man’s possibilities.
“It could make some huge cash, however I don’t assume Conor Benn goes to field at welterweight once more,” Frampton mentioned.
“But when a battle like that may be made I’d say to take it with each palms. It could be a really winnable battle for Lewis and there could be loads of dough on the road. You need to do not forget that Lewis isn’t a small welterweight, so possibly a battle could possibly be made at gentle middleweight. That battle would put Lewis’ profile into a special realm utterly.”
Whereas a conflict with Benn would generate main headlines, Frampton stresses that Crocker already has the platform to land large fights. Being a world champion adjustments the dynamic, he says, and makes the prospect of defences, unifications, and repeat Belfast homecomings far more lifelike.
13 September 2025
Image By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
“Being world champion makes arranging large fights just a little bit simpler,” he added. “No matter occurs in Lewis’ profession, he can name himself a world champion.
“I want 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.”
