Chris Eubank v Conor Benn: Rematch can determine Lewis Crocker’s next move

Lewis Crocker’s manager Jamie Conlan feels the outcome of Saturday’s middleweight rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will have implications for the IBF welterweight champion.

Eubank won a gruelling first fight between the pair in April and they are set to do it all again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend.

Crocker won the IBF world title with a split-decision win over Paddy Donovan in their own rematch at Belfast’s Windsor Park in September, and a first title defence against Benn has been floated as one of his main options.

However, should Benn suffer a second-straight loss, it would prove a major stumbling block for that match-up to take place next and Conlan says that while they will be keeping a close eye on events in London, there are other options including a possible unification with WBC champion Mario Barrios.

“Our plans are still to do Croc and Benn, but we have also had two or three other conversations including Mario Barrios for a unification,” Conlan told BBC Sport NI.

“It’s all up in the air, but we have tentatively pencilled in Windsor for April or May, but we have scheduled dates in February. This weekend coming up is a big factor, but not a deciding factor.”