Lewis Crocker Teams Up with Coach Huzaifah Iqbal Ahead of Title Defense

Lewis Crocker, the IBF world welterweight champion, has announced a new coaching partnership with Surrey-based trainer Huzaifah Iqbal, also known as H. This collaboration comes as Crocker prepares for the first defense of his title, which he secured by defeating Paddy Donovan via split decision at Windsor Park in September 2023.

Crocker, hailing from Belfast, is set to make his return to the ring in April 2024. He has been linked to potential opponents including English boxers Conah Walker, Jack Catterall, and Harlem Eubank. In a recent social media post, the 26-year-old expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating that he is looking forward to the journey ahead and referring to it as “exciting times.”

In his announcement on Instagram, Crocker wrote, “Happy to announce that I’ll now be training under @hboxinguk. Looking forward to the journey ahead, exciting times.” He also took a moment to express gratitude to his former coach, Billy Nelson, for the experiences they shared.

The change in coaching has not been without its challenges. Billy Nelson expressed disappointment upon learning of Crocker’s decision to part ways. In an interview with Boxing Scene, Nelson remarked, “I’m disappointed that [Crocker] thinks he needs a change. He said he needs a change. I’ve also heard that he thought I’ve taken him as far as I could, which I find quite insulting.” He emphasized his extensive experience, having worked with two world champions who participated in ten world-title fights.

Nelson continued, “A boxer’s gotta make a decision – what they think’s right for them. I don’t think it’s right, especially when you consider the coach he’s gone to hasn’t done a fraction of what I’ve done, and that’s no disrespect to that coach.”

As Crocker gears up for his title defense, the boxing community watches closely to see how this new partnership will unfold. With the stakes high and a title on the line, the upcoming months promise to be pivotal for the Belfast native.