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Barrios, Norman Jr., Romero: Who could Lewis Crocker chase for welterweight unification super-fight next year?
Lewis Crocker hopes to book a super-fight next spring after the first defence of his IBF welterweight crown later this year - but just who could the Belfast man take for such a bout?
'The Croc' upset pre-bout expectations to edge Paddy Donovan by split decision in September, with two crucial knockdowns against his rival key to taking victory on the cards.
Already, the Northern Irishman has laid out a desire to face Conor Benn, while Ryan Garcia and Jack Catterall have also been mooted as options for him to take on in the ring.
But with the star now likely to take a voluntary defence before chasing a bigger fish in the new year, just who could make up for a top-tier foe? DAZN News profiles three options.
Mario Barrios
The logical shout and the one that Crocker's team are likely to target, the incumbent WBC champion is a man in demand - but perhaps not for the reasons that he would want.
The American's draw with an aged Manny Pacquiao could be seen as credit to the latter's spirit in his advanced years or as an indictment of his own limitations on the canvas.
Benn has already set his sights on the star's title, but Crocker could well get there first, with the added incentive of putting his own crown on the line adding some extra spice.
WIth no fight currently lined up himself, Barrios could well need a tune-up before he considers a high-class operator - but certainly, such a clash would fit the bill for a top bout.
Brian Norman Jr.
Fresh off a new contract with Top Rank, 'The Assassin II' already has a defence in the pipeline - and it is one that could cause further havoc in a busy welterweight division too.
Norman Jr. will face off with Devin Haney at The Ring IV in Riyadh this November, in what is arguably the toughest challenge of his title career so far with the WBO belt in hand.
If he comes through that fight with his strap intact, he will face a decision whether to take on another rising contender or if he should put his crown on the line for a unification.
Crocker would present a highly attractive option, and Norman Jr. would too for 'The Croc', offering him the chance to further underline his credentials as a leading champion.
Rolly Romero
The former WBA super-lightweight champion was written off by many earlier this year when he arrived in Times Square with Ryan Garcia, having fought only once at this weight.
Instead, he delivered one of the performances of his career to comfortably outbox the home favourite and secure a unanimous points win as well as the vacant WBA crown.
With the departure of Jaron Ennis from the division, he is head and shoulders with the governing body, and like Barrios, has no fight scheduled over the coming months too.
A rematch with Garcia could yet prove his next test, but whatever he books, victory would keep him firmly in Crocker's sights for 2026 and the chance to unify two belts.
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