Lewis Crocker to face Owen Cooper in Belfast return after world-title defeat

Lewis Crocker will face Owen Cooper in Belfast on 19 December as the former IBF welterweight champion begins his comeback from defeat by Liam Paro.

Queensberry announced the contest on Thursday, adding it to the card headlined by Anthony Cacace’s WBA super-featherweight title defence against Nick Ball.

The Belfast event will be shown on DAZN.

Lewis Crocker returns after first defeat

Crocker lost his unbeaten record and world title against Paro in Australia earlier this year.

His manager Jamie Conlan had previously outlined plans for a December homecoming, telling Irish-Boxing.com that the fighter was back in training and working towards another world-title opportunity.

Conlan identified the Cacace bill as the preferred destination. Crocker now has an opponent for that return.

The Belfast fighter won the IBF belt against Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park in 2025, following two victories over his Irish rival.

Cooper joins Cacace–Ball bill

Cooper gets the chance to beat a former world champion on a major Belfast card.

The Worcester welterweight’s previous victories include wins over Chris Kongo and Eithan James, although he has also suffered defeats against Ekow Essuman and Constantin Ursu.

Queensberry’s announcement confirmed the pairing for 19 December.

Cacace and Ball provide the world-title main event, with Ball moving up from featherweight to challenge the Belfast champion.

Before then, another world champion is in action overnight: our Osleys Iglesias v Oliver Zaren guide has the UK timings, broadcast details and undercard.