IBF rejects Lewis Crocker’s voluntary defence against Walker

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has rejected a request from welterweight world champion Lewis Crocker to make a voluntary defence against Conah Walker, insider Dan Rafael reports, citing a copy of the official letter.

Instead, the IBF has ordered Crocker to make a mandatory defence against Liam Paro, who was initially supposed to take part in an eliminator against Paddy Donovan.

Crocker wanted to stage the fight with Walker on 18 or 25 April, but both dates fall after the deadline for the mandatory defence, which must take place no later than 13 March.

Lewis Crocker (22-0, 11 KOs) won the title in September, when he defeated Paddy Donovan by split decision in their rematch.