Gallagher hopes to beat Crocker in the race to face ‘over hyped’ Conor Benn
Paddy Gallagher [16(10)-6(0)] wants to beat Lewis Crocker [11(6)-0] in the race to face Conor Benn [16(11)-0].
The Matchroom name is looking for a Fight Camp opponent after the team around British and Commonwealth champion Chris Jenkins elected against letting him fight the English fighter on one of the Sky broadcast shows.
Irish-boxing.com was previously lead to believe Jenkins last opponent, Gallagher was on a short list of opponents and it now appears Lewis Crocker may also be in the mix.
Speaking to David Kelly in the Belfast Telegraph the former BBBofC and BUI Celtic champ said he hopes he gets his chance this summer, because if Crocker beats him to the punch, Benn would no longer be a worthy opponent.
“I just hope that I can get to Benn before Lewis Crocker does – I know that Lewis would love the fight too. But, if Lewis gets to him first, there will be nothing left for me! Benn has a lot of noise around him because of his dad and he looks the part with his tattoos, but he’s really over-hyped,” said Gallagher.
The 31-year-old’s name has been mentioned alongside the son of former Steve Collins foe Nigel Benn in recent weeks alongside the likes of Ashley Theophane and Bradley Skeete.
The English fighters may have a somewhat of a higher profile, but Gallagher is adamant a fight between him and Benn would be ideal television.
“There has been some talk about a fight with Conor Benn, though nothing has been confirmed, but everybody knows it would be a fan-friendly fight and there would be plenty of interest around that one.
“We both don’t like taking a step back, so it would be great for TV and the fans,” he adds before stating he’d agree to fight in a heartbeat.
“We’ll see if that one comes off and, make no mistake, if I’m offered it, I’ll jump at the chance – I don’t want any warm-ups and, anyway, there’s no room for that now with only five fights on each show.”
Interestingly enough if Jenkins does defend his titles on a BT Sport’s broadcast Frank Warren card both Gallagher and Crocker could be in contention for that clash.
