Breaking: Crocker Part Ways With Nelson, Names Iqbal As New Head Coach
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IBF welterweight world champion Lewis Crocker has confirmed Huzaifah Iqbal as his new head coach, following a split with long-time trainer Billy Nelson.
Last week, Nelson disclosed teh split, answering a question on social media about Crocker’s next move by saying the Belfast fighter had “moved on to a coach in London.”
The incoming mentor is Surrey-based Huzaifah Iqbal, who also guides Lisburn featherweight Kurt Walker and previously assisted Michael Conlan when the Irishman trained under Adam Booth.
crocker had earlier trained briefly with Booth before joining Nelson’s camp in 2023, racking up eight fights under the Scotsman, including the world-title triumph over Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park in September.
The 29-year-old has decided to start afresh and publicly confirmed the change on wednesday via social media.
“Happy to announce that I’ll now be training under ‘hboxinguk’ (Iqbal) — looking forward to the journey ahead, exciting times,” Crocker wrote. He added gratitude to Billy Nelson for everything and hinted that fight news would follow.
crocker’s first title defense is expected to be announced soon, with former opponent Conah Walker — whom he defeated in a thriller in June 2024 — and Jack Catterall among the leading contenders for a voluntary defence.
Should Crocker prevail, a mandatory defence would be on the horizon.The prospect of a third clash with Donovan appears unlikely in the near term, after the Limerick man pulled out of his final eliminator against Liam Paro in australia on January 16 due to illness.
Key Facts at A Glance
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Champion | Lewis Crocker, IBF welterweight titleholder |
| New head coach | Huzaifah Iqbal (hboxinguk), Surrey-based |
| Previous head coach | Billy Nelson |
| Previous brief trainer | Adam Booth |
| Recent title defence implications | Possible voluntary defence against Conah Walker or Jack Catterall |
| Last title-winning fight | Defeated paddy Donovan at Windsor park in September |
| Opponent illness affecting plans | Paddy Donovan withdrew from eliminator vs Liam Paro on January 16 (illness) |
Evergreen Insights
Coaching changes at the top level can recalibrate a fighter’s focus, strategy, and pace. A new mentor ofen brings renewed discipline,fresh training methods,and a different game plan,all of which can influence how a champion performs in upcoming defenses.
For Crocker, the shift to Iqbal—who already coaches other notable talents—could help diversify his approach in the ring and adapt to evolving challenges in the welterweight division. History shows that headline-title runs sometimes restart with a new voice in the corner, provided the camp maintains cohesion and the fighter remains receptive to change.
Watch for how Crocker balances speed, power, and ring IQ under the new guidance, and which opponent emerges as his first voluntary defence. The landscape remains fluid, with Walker and Catterall positioned as early candidates and Donovan’s status likely to hinge on future health and scheduling.
Reader Questions
Do you believe a fresh coaching dynamic will unlock Crocker’s best performance in his next title bid?
Who should Crocker meet in his first voluntary defence to establish momentum under the new regime?
Share yoru thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and stay tuned for official confirmation on Crocker’s first defence date.
Does any reputable source confirm that Lewis Crocker replaced Billy Nelson with Huzaifah Iqbal as head coach?
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