Boxing
Manny Pacquiao offered another world title route amid doubts over Rolly Romero clash
Subscribe now to watch over 185 fights a year
IBF welterweight world champion Lewis Crocker’s camp has made contact with Manny Pacquiao’s team over a potential bout.
Eight-division champion Pacquiao returned to the sport after a four-year retirement in July, earning a credible draw with WBC title holder Mario Barrios. Despite being 46, Pacquiao impressed against a fighter 16 years his younger, with many feeling the Filipino had done enough to win the bout.
Pacquiao’s star-power has remained intact, with plenty of reigning champions and big names calling out the veteran, including Conor Benn and WBA belt holder Rolly Romero.
Romero and Pacquiao have been in negotiations regarding a clash for some time, with previous reports suggesting that a fight was close to being made. However, the WBA recently ordered Romero to defend his 147lbs title against Shakhram Giyasov, throwing the Pacquiao fight into doubt.
Crocker’s team have sensed an opportunity, with the Northern Irishman’s manager, Jamie Conlan, getting in touch with Pacquiao’s camp.
He told BBC Sport: “I reached out to Manny Pacquiao's team. They are trying to do Romero but if that can't be done, then we are going to have communication. What a rise it would be to fight Manny Pacquiao.”
Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
The 28-year-old Crocker became a world champion for the first time in September when he defeated rival Paddy Donovan by split decision in a rematch.
Carl Frampton, a fellow Northern Irishman who reigned as world champion, believes a fight with Pacquiao would be ‘incredible’.
The fighter-turned-pundit told DAZN News: "There's talk of Manny Pacquiao.
"He's looking at an opponent. He's got a date and he's looking. Lewis Crocker against Manny Pacquiao in Vegas, I would have to be there.
"That could be incredible, and he would beat someone like Pacquiao. He's got opportunities. The world is the kid's oyster. It's great for him.”
However, just as Pacquiao’s fight with Romero is under threat due to a mandatory challenge, Crocker may also soon be occupied by orders from another sanctioning body. The IBF have ordered Australian Liam Paro to face Donovan in a final eliminator for Crocker’s world title.
With Paro and Donovan yet to agree a purse and date for the fight, Crocker still has time to make a voluntary defence against an opponent of his choosing.
Watch the biggest fights and best fighters with a DAZN subscription
A DAZN subscription provides access to over 185 fights a year across a range of combat sports from the world's best promoters.
