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ibf Welterweight world champion Lewis Crocker’s camp has contacted Manny PacquiaoThe team is considering a possible match.
Eight-division champion Pacquiao returned to the sport in July after a four-year retirement and earned a creditable draw. wbc Title holder Mario Barrios. Despite being 46 years old, Pacquiao impressed against a fighter 16 years his junior, with many believing the Filipino did enough to win the bout.
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Pacquiao’s star-power remains intact, with several current champions and big names calling out the veteran, including Conor Benn and WBA belt holder Rollie Romero.
Romero and Pacquiao have been in talks regarding a clash for some time, with previous reports suggesting the fight was close to happening. However, the WBA recently ordered Romero to defend his 147lbs title against Shakhram Giyasov, putting the Pacquiao fight in doubt.
Crocker’s team have sensed an opportunity, with the Northern Irishman’s manager, Jamie Conlon, contacting Pacquiao’s camp.
“I’ve contacted Manny Pacquiao’s team. They’re trying to beat Romero, but if that doesn’t happen, we’ll talk. What a great achievement it would be to fight Manny Pacquiao,” he told BBC Sport.
The 28-year-old Crocker became 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 is a reigning world champion, believes a fight with Pacquiao would be ‘incredible’.
The fighter turned pundit told DAZN News: “There is talk about Manny Pacquiao.
“He’s looking at an opponent. He has a date and he’s looking. Lewis Crocker against Manny Pacquiao in Vegas, I have to be there.
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“It could be incredible, and he’ll beat someone like Pacquiao. He’s got opportunities. The world is a baby’s oyster. It’s great for him.”
However, just as Pacquiao’s fight with Romero is in jeopardy due to a mandatory challenge, Crocker may also soon be seized by the orders of another sanctioning body. The IBF has ordered Australian Liam Parow to face Donovan in a final eliminator for Crocker’s world title.
Since Paro and Donovan have not yet agreed on a purse and date for the fight, Crocker still has time to make a voluntary defense against an opponent of his choice.
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