Lewis Crocker: Manny Pacquiao, Conor Penn or Belfast’s choice for first title defense

Although this is a viable option, Croker is likely to face Penn or enjoy another big night in Belfast in his first voluntary defence.

However, a lot will depend on the outcome of November’s middleweight rematch between Penn and Chris Eubank Jr. as to when Penn might be ready to step back into the ring and move back up to welterweight.

Former light welterweight champion Liam Barrow is second in the updated IBF rankings while Donovan, who is expected to appeal a decision handed down in September at Windsor Park, is third.

A successful result for Donovan will likely see him retain his high rank and secure a final elimination against Barrow for the mandatory position.

“Ben is the fight Crocker wants and he is confident he will beat him,” Conlan asserted.

“That’s all well and good and the numbers are exciting, but you’re putting Lewis’ life on the back burner hoping for what will happen in another fight.” [Eubank-Benn II] It doesn’t work that way, so book something for Belfast and that’s probably what will happen next. If they are [Matchroom] Control the situation with compulsory, then it can be postponed and we can do bin [after a first voluntary].

“There are still some moving parts that will happen, but I think Barrow will fight Donovan or Karen Choukedjian next.

“Donovan’s team has appealed so his standings have not changed. This could be good news for Crook as his mandatory will be retained in the long toe if Barrow is out in the early part of next year. It could give us the chance of two volunteers before we have the mandatory.”