Irish world champion willing to defend title vs Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines — Another name has joined the Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes.

The camp of Irish fighter Lewis Crocker, who holds the International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight belt, said they are willing to step in just in case Pacquiao ends up without a dance partner for his planned bout next year.

Crocker’s manager and former boxer Jamie Conlan recently told BBC Sport NI that he has already reached out to Pacquiao’s righthand man, Sean Gibbons, to signify their interest in a duel with the Filipino icon.

Pacquiao, who came up short in wresting another world title when he drew with World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios last July, is very keen to resume his hunt for a belt.

The 46-year-old legend has his eyes on Rolly Romero, who totes the World Boxing Association (WBA) version of the crown, recently saying that they are finalizing talks for a January 2026 showdown.

But that plan could be in peril after the WBA instead ordered Romero to defend his title against mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov.

And that’s when the undefeated Crocker (22-0, with 11 knockouts) can enter the picture.

“They [Pacquiao camp] are trying to do [a fight with] Rolly Romero but if that can't be done, then we are going to have communication,” Conlan told BBC Sport NI.

The 28-year-old Crocker outpointed fellow Irishman Paddy Donovan last month to annex the IBF title — a diadem that would be attractive for Pacquiao, who is raring to beat his own record as the oldest welterweight champion in history.

Pacquiao first achieved the feat in 2019 when, at 40 years old, he beat Keith Thurman for the WBA crown now held by Romero.

Six years and one failed attempt later, it appears Pacquiao has not run out of options.

"Romero and the WBA [title] is their [Pacquiao’s] first port of call, but he is strong on the idea if something can be done, it can definitely be looked at. What a rise it would be to fight Manny Pacquiao,” said Conlan.