Lewis Crocker ready to play his part on dramatic Belfast card

Big punching Lewis Crocker [5(5)-0] is excited to be playing a part in a storyline-packed card this June 30th.

Although tipped to one day be a bill-topper, for now the Belfast prospect will play a supporting role on a Michael Conlan’s ‘Homecoming’ card at the SSE Odyssey Arena.

Indeed, despite the hype and excitement around the Ray Ginley trained welterweight, the modest Crocker is happy to feature considering the strength of the undercard.

A mouthwatering bill includes Jono Carroll rematching Declan Geraghty and Tyrone McKenna facing off with Phil Sutcliffe as well a mouthwatering clash between Paddy Gallagher and Gary Corcoran, a BBBoC title fight for Tyrone McCullagh and an all-British battle between Johnny Coyle and Lewis Benson.

The welterweight with five knockouts from from five wins to date is more than aware of how good the line-up is and at this stage of his career is just happy to be fighting on another big card.

“I’m excited every time I fight no matter where the fight is,” he said. “I still get the same buzz. If it’s in Las Vegas or if it’s in Belfast, a fight is a fight. This whole night is special though.”

“Real boxing fans will appreciate what’s happening on this card. There are storylines absolutely everywhere.”

“You’ve got Jono’s rematch with ‘Deco’, Tyrone McKenna and Phil Sutcliffe Jr’s rivalry finally coming to a head, Paddy Gallagher in a crucial fight with Gary Corcoran, Johnny Coyle and Lewis Benson putting unbeaten records on the line… The list just goes on and on,” noted the 21-year-old Sandy Row puncher.

The Irish boxing community is such a close knit group that derby matches can cause trouble for those within it. Predicting a result in an All-Irish clash all but ensures you will upset someone, so Crocker has pleaded the fifth ahead of the packed Odyssey card.

“The one thing I can’t get doing is making any predictions, though. Although I hope to be able to be out in the arena watching some of those fights, I’ve too many friends to lose so I think I’ll just keep quiet with tipping the winners.”

Although there is an argument that someone of Crocker’s talent and indeed power could blast his way to 10-0 almost as fast as he gets his opponents out of there, the Belfast fighter has taken the more patient approach.

He has appeared on just one small hall show – and that was due to the late cancellation of Frampton-Gutierrez last Summer – with four of his fights taking place on big TV cards.

While he has yet to get live airtime, the mere motions and location of these fights are good preparations for the KO specialist who believes that is perfect training for when he does reach the big time.

“This boom in Belfast boxing is class. I’m humbled to be part of it. People are stopping me and asking when my next fight is. I’m fighting on the undercard of headliners like Frampton v Donaire. Because I’m doing it at a young age, I’ll get used to it quickly.

“I’ve followed Mick Conlan his whole career. To be fighting on his card is an honour and this could be one of the best undercards Ireland has ever seen. There are so many rivalries and many are 50-50s. What a card.”