The Belfast man edged a close contest against his Limerick rival to win for the second time this year, aided by two early knockdowns to thrill his supporters at Windsor Park.

Victory in the first men's world title fight between two Irishmen means Crocker joins Mario Barrios, Rolando Romero and Brian Norman Jr. as the division's major strap holders.

But asked who he would like to fight next, the star suggested an all-British bout with Benn, who is due to contest his own rematch with Chris Eubank Jr. in London this November.

"I think a massive fight is Conor Benn," he said. "I’ve respect for him. I think he’s an incredible fighter. It’s a mega fight to make, and it would be an honour to share the ring.

“Nobody gave me a chance in this fight, nobody. I just want to say to all the people who gave me stick from the last fight, make sure you write Lewis Crocker, world champion.

"I thought I was picking my shots well. I wasn’t sitting there this time. I had the knockdowns, I picked up a couple of rounds. I think I boxed a great fight. Nobody gave me a shot.

"I wasn’t the one in trouble tonight. I know I can box. I was waiting to counter him and drop him. Big respect to Paddy. He’s a great fighter, and I’ve no doubt he’ll be back."

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