Welterweight Wonderland – Carl Frampton Backs Lewis Crocker to ‘Dominate Division’

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 might 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 via a few of its largest trendy 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 nicely 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 advised BBC Sport. “He has a voluntary defence arising they usually 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 couple of years in the past, and Lewis can go and dominate this division for some time. It’s about getting the proper alternatives and profitable the fights, clearly, however I feel 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. Nonetheless, Irish nice, Frampton, can see it occurring down the highway and fancies his fellow Belfast man’s probabilities.

“It will make some huge cash, however I don’t suppose Conor Benn goes to field at welterweight once more,” Frampton stated.

“But when a battle like that may be made I’d say to take it with each fingers. It will be a really winnable battle for Lewis and there could be loads of dough on the road. It’s a must to do not forget that Lewis isn’t a small welterweight, so perhaps a battle might be made at mild middleweight. That battle 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 large fights. Being a world champion adjustments the dynamic, he says, and makes the prospect of defences, unifications, and repeat Belfast homecomings rather more reasonable.

“Being world champion makes arranging large fights somewhat bit simpler,” he added. “No matter occurs in Lewis’ profession, he can name himself a world champion.

“I want to see a couple of defences and perhaps a unification. He’s very able to all that. I hope he retains persevering with to win and coming again to Belfast, that’s essential.”