IBF welterweight world champion Lewis Crocker has split with trainer Billy Nelson.

The news comes less than four months after the Belfast man upset Paddy Donovan to win the belt with Nelson in his corner.

The pair started working together in early 2023 and have won eight fights out of eight together, including the famous victory over Donovan at Windsor Park, but now Nelson has confirmed the split via social media.

When asked about the 2026 plans for Crocker on X, Nelson replied: “Lewis has changed coaches.

"Lewis has moved on to a coach in London so I no longer know what going on with him, but I hope he gets a voluntary defence in front of his fans in Belfast."

The Ring understands he has linked up with Huzaifah ‘H’ Iqbal, who trains fighters out of Adam Booth’s gym in Surrey. The move represents a return to Booth’s gym, where Crocker had previously spent time training during 2022.

It also comes as a surprise given Crocker’s success with Nelson, who he has previously credited with changing his life.

The 28-year-old, who currently resides outside The Ring’s top 10 at 147 pounds, is yet to defend his IBF title but promoter Eddie Hearn recently hinted that he could be about to face Conah Walker.

Whoever his opponent is, Crocker (22-0, 11 KOs) will fight without Nelson in his corner for the first time since 2021.