Overview

• Lewis Crocker’s manager Jamie Conlan says he contacted Pacquiao representative Sean Gibbons to explore a title defence against the 46-year-old former champion.
• Conlan reports Pacquiao’s first choice is WBA titleholder Rolando Romero, with a Crocker bout only considered if Romero negotiations fall through.
• Crocker and Conlan met Matchroom CEO Frank Smith, with a February Conor Benn showdown after Benn’s November 15 rematch with Chris Eubank Jr or a Belfast voluntary defence viewed as the leading options.
• The IBF has ordered a Liam Paro–Paddy Donovan final eliminator, giving both camps 15 days to agree terms, with the winner becoming Crocker’s mandatory challenger.
• Donovan has appealed his split-decision loss to Crocker and remains ranked No 3 behind No 2 Paro, preserving his route to a potential trilogy if he wins the eliminator.