Ben Crocker targets bigger and better after European title

It was “now or never” for Crocker, as he finally turned pro with a debut win over Naeem Ali in Cardiff in September 2021.

Crocker wasted no time in racking up a 13-0 record, before facing Greek fighter Papadopoulos, 31, who boasted an impressive 15-1-2 record, for the vacant IBF European title.

This was the second time the pair had clashed, having fought over eight rounds at the same venue the previous April, and once again the result – this time over 10 rounds – was a repeat of their first encounter, with no redemption for Papadopoulos.

Crocker said: “I knew it would be completely different the second time. I had to elevate my game and stamina because I knew he was coming to win.”

The Swansea fighter admitted he was “nervous, wondering if it would go my way”, adding: “When the fight is close and you’re the away fighter, the judges sometimes lean towards the home fighter.”

But all three judges favoured Crocker, scoring the bout 97-93 96-94 96-95 in the Welshman’s favour against an opponent who now bases himself in Essex after a spell in Los Angeles in the United States.

Crocker described that winning feeling as “emotional – when you turn and see your family and friends there is no feeling like it”.

The fans never fail to turn out in full force, traveling across the country to support their Swansea hero. This time they braved Storm Darragh to make the journey to Essex to witness Crocker claim the European title.

“For them to make the effort, and they have from the start, it really means a lot,” he said.

“Now that I have the belt, I finally have something to give back to them. It’s my way of saying thank you.”

Now 14-0, Crocker hopes his European belt opens doors to bigger fights and more exposure, boosting his career and the chances of securing a top promoter contract to reach the highest level in boxing.