Ben Crocker Eyes Further Advancement After Securing European Title

Ben Crocker, who holds an unblemished 14-0 record, has secured the IBF European super-lightweight title, marking a significant achievement after years of dedicated effort and perseverance. The 30-year-old Swansea native earned the IBF European super-lightweight title by out-boxing his opponent, Stelios Papadopoulos, thereby showcasing his resilience, skill, and commitment to his aspirations. Crocker secured a unanimous decision victory on 7 December at the Brentwood Centre in Essex, attributed to his precise counterpunching and strong defensive tactics. This notable in-ring display was achieved under the tutelage of Gary Lockett, a former WBU world middleweight champion who has become a distinguished trainer. While Crocker had participated in combat sports since childhood, his formal boxing career commenced at age 12 when he joined Premier ABC, guided by Stephen ‘Spud’ Brophy. Crocker stated, “I’ve always done combat sports, I did kickboxing up until I was 12, I then found the boxing gym and I said to my dad I wanted to start boxing – I think it was from watching the Rocky movies.” Crocker’s initial objectives were well-defined: to become a professional boxer by age 23, accumulate 100 amateur fights, and compete in events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. Nevertheless, these plans were disrupted by multiple hand injuries and the Covid pandemic, which postponed Crocker’s entry into professional boxing, a delay he characterized as “really frustrating.” He further explained, “From 12 I never looked back, turned pro when I was 25 but I had a couple of years out with hand operations, then Covid struck so I didn’t have my debut until I was 27.” Under the guidance of former world middleweight champion Gary Lockett, who has trained Ben Crocker throughout his professional career, Crocker viewed his professional debut as a “now or never” moment. He ultimately turned professional with a victory against Naeem Ali in Cardiff in September 2021. Crocker rapidly accumulated a 13-0 record before confronting the 31-year-old Greek boxer Papadopoulos, who held a formidable 15-1-2 record, for the vacant IBF European title. This marked the second encounter between the two fighters, who had previously competed over eight rounds at the same location the preceding April. The outcome, this time contested over 10 rounds, mirrored their initial bout, denying Papadopoulos any chance of redemption. Crocker commented, “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 boxer from Swansea confessed to feeling “nervous, wondering if it would go my way,” further stating, “When the fight is close and you’re the away fighter, the judges sometimes lean towards the home fighter.” Nevertheless, all three judges ruled in Crocker’s favor, with scores of 97-93, 96-94, and 96-95 for the Welshman, against an opponent who currently resides in Essex following a period in Los Angeles, United States. Crocker characterized the sensation of winning as “emotional – when you turn and see your family and friends there is no feeling like it.” His supporters consistently attend in large numbers, journeying nationwide to back their Swansea hero. On this occasion, they endured Storm Darragh to travel to Essex and witness Crocker secure the European title. He expressed, “For them to make the effort, and they have from the start, it really means a lot.” Crocker added, “Now that I have the belt, I finally have something to give back to them. It’s my way of saying thank you.” Now holding a 14-0 record, Crocker anticipates that his European belt will create opportunities for more significant bouts and increased visibility, thereby advancing his career and enhancing his prospects of securing a contract with a leading promoter to ascend to the pinnacle of boxing.