By Sam Brookes

Copyright independent

Lewis Crocker has set his sights on a major fight in the first half of 2026 after winning his first world title.

Crocker edged an all-Irish battle with Paddy Donovan earlier this month to win the vacant IBF welterweight belt.

After beating Donovan for the second time this year, the Northern Irishman wants to return in December for a voluntary defence before pushing for a bigger fight next year.

His manager, Jamie Conlan, has outlined the path he wants his fighter to take, mentioning Conor Benn and WBC champion Mario Barrios as potential opponents in 2026.

“Conor (Benn) is the money fight obviously, but Barrios is a nice one,” Conlan told The Ring.

“Look, we’re in the superstar division and have the luxury of picking a voluntary. December back in the SSE [Arena], then a big super-fight in April, that’s the perfect plan.”

Benn already has his next fight lined up as he will be taking on Chris Eubank Jr in a rematch at middleweight on November 15, live on DAZN.

He intends to return to welterweight afterwards and could walk straight into a title fight with Crocker.

Barrios was last seen being held to a draw by Manny Pacquiao in July. His next fight has not been announced, and Crocker’s team could look to reach out over the possibility of a unification clash.

Crocker has had a rollercoaster year after winning by disqualification against Donovan in March when his rival floored him after the bell.

He was a long way behind on the scorecards at the time but escaped with victory.

The rematch was very different, with Crocker knocking Donovan down twice before getting the nod via split decision.

Conlan attributed Crocker’s improved display in the second fight to better preparation and experience as he proved he belongs at the highest level.

Reflecting on what went wrong the first time against Donovan, Conlan explained: “A lot of factors. The food poisoning, he crashed the weight badly with a hard cut and wasn’t feeling good on the morning of the weigh-in which hurt, as he then tried to rehydrate quickly and put food in the system, which didn’t sit right with him.

“That was an IBF eliminator, this was for the full title so a bit different. That experience helped, because Lewis was more focused with nutrition, said what he wanted and needed, took smoothies and no heavy meals in camps, felt a need to get bulkier first time around but this time because of the rehydration and a better weight cut, could adjust accordingly.”

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