“Ideally, I’d [take on] Devin Haney next for a unified title,” Crocker said in an interview with DAZN. “That’s the most important fight within the division. There are many options, but for those who’re asking me, that’s the fight I’d want next.”
Crocker noted that several possible opponents exist at welterweight, but said Haney stands out given his championship status and profile. A fight between the 2 would involve two of the division’s 4 titleholders.
Haney has previously spoken about his interest in unifying the welterweight division and has publicly targeted a fight with WBA champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero. Nonetheless, Romero has since ruled out a bout with Haney, which could affect Haney’s immediate plans.
With Romero not an option, Crocker’s name could factor into future discussions if the WBO champion looks elsewhere for a unification opportunity. Crocker didn’t indicate that talks are underway, but said the matchup can be appealing from a competitive standpoint.
Crocker was also asked about other potential fights at welterweight, including a possible bout with Conor Benn. Benn has been named the mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title, currently held by Mario Barrios, who’s scheduled to defend against Ryan Garcia on February 21.
“It’s an entertaining fight for the fans,” Crocker said when asked about Benn. “But he’s mandatory for the WBC. If I still have my title, which I’ll, then that’s an amazing fight to make for the longer term.”
Benn has said his focus stays on securing a fight with the winner of the Barrios-Garcia bout. If Benn were to capture the WBC title, it could open the door for a unification bout with Crocker down the road.
For now, Crocker said his attention stays on defending his IBF title and evaluating the available options in a crowded welterweight division, with unification remaining a stated goal.