Lewis Crocker plans to return to Windsor Park next spring and defend his IBF welterweight title.
The Belfast fighter secured the vacant belt in September after defeating Paddy Donovan by split decision before a packed crowd at Northern Ireland’s national football stadium. Their clash, a repeat of their March encounter that ended with Donovan’s disqualification, restored boxing to Windsor Park for the first time since Carl Frampton beat Luke Jackson in August 2018.
Reports suggest officials scheduled Crocker’s title defence for 11 April, with confirmation of his opponent expected within two weeks.
Benn and Barrios Enter the Debate
Crocker holds an undefeated record in 22 professional bouts and continues to push for a fight with Conor Benn. Benn overcame long-time rival Chris Eubank Jr with a dominant win in their Tottenham Hotspur Stadium rematch on 15 November.
Before that showdown, Crocker’s manager Jamie Conlan told BBC Sport NI that Benn and WBC champion Mario Barrios remained strong possibilities for the 28-year-old.
Benn told Boxing News this week that Crocker “is not really a name that is on my radar.”
Forest Legends Witness a New Statement Win
Nottingham Forest welcomed their 1979 icons before kick-off. The legendary squad, joined by several Malmö players, reunited 46 years after securing the club’s first European Cup against the Swedish side. They repeated the feat the following year and cemented their legacy. The group gathered at the City Ground on Thursday to watch Forest’s 2025–26 team.
They witnessed one of Sean Dyche’s most comfortable victories of the season. Forest targeted a Europa League triumph at the start of the campaign, and after a turbulent spell, Dyche has stabilised the team in domestic and European competition.
A top-eight league finish—and automatic passage to the last 16—sits only two points away and remains achievable. Forest now prepare for trips to Utrecht and Braga before hosting Ferencváros in January.
Dyche’s side have built momentum with four wins in seven matches, including two in Europe.
Looking Ahead for Both Clubs
Forest face Brighton at the City Ground on Sunday in the Premier League at 14:05 GMT, then travel to Wolves on 3 December at 19:30.
Malmö head to Porto in the Europa League on 11 December and host Red Star on 22 January.
