Sean McComb Earns Points Victory Over Ben Crocker in 10-Round Bout

Sean McComb was forced to dig deep in Sheffield tonight, recovering from a first-round knockdown to secure a solid points victory over Ben Crocker and claim the IBF European super-lightweight title.

The bout, held at the Park Community Arena, saw Crocker (14-2-1, 2 KOs) enter as the defending champion, while McComb (21-2, 5 KOs) walked away with the belt—an admittedly minor title, but one that could still earn him a world ranking at 140 pounds.

The contest began with a dramatic twist. McComb, typically composed and rangy, reached in with a long backhand only to be caught by a well-timed left hook from Crocker. The shot dropped McComb to the canvas, giving the underdog an early lead and a surge of momentum.

However, McComb recovered quickly, shaking off the flash knockdown and returning to his corner without further trouble. From the second round onward, the Belfast southpaw tightened up defensively and began dictating the tempo.

Crocker continued to look for the left hook, enjoying sporadic success, particularly in a close fourth round where his aggression may have edged the frame. But McComb gradually took control, using his jab to manage the distance and landing looping shots to the body.

In the sixth, Crocker landed a clean right hand, but his overall output waned, allowing McComb to reassert himself with smart movement and consistent work at range. The Welshman’s lack of urgency in the later rounds ultimately cost him, as McComb continued to score with sharp jabs and timely combinations.

Crocker found brief moments of success in the final two rounds, but they were too infrequent to sway the result. All three judges scored the bout 96-93 in favour of McComb, who now adds the IBF European title to his résumé and moves one step closer to a world title opportunity.