Lewis Crocker is conscious {that a} win over Conah Walker may convey him nearer to an all-Irish bout in opposition to undefeated Limerick expertise Paddy Donovan later this yr.
Crocker (19-0, 11 KOs), of Belfast, will face Walker (13-2-1, 5 KOs), of Wolverhampton, England, for the WBA Worldwide title at Resorts World Area Birmingham on Saturday. The occasion can be broadcast reside on DAZN.
Crocker, nicknamed “The Croc,” just lately scored a fifth-round knockout in opposition to Mexico’s Jose Felix at Ulster Corridor in January. The 27-year-old native of Sandy Row goals to ship one other dominant efficiency in opposition to the resurgent Walker on away soil.
“I all the time say that the tip aim is a world title,” Crocker stated. “This struggle is ideal for getting a world rating and a brand new belt. This isn’t a 50-50 struggle; I’m the higher fighter. He’s been speaking quite a bit, and I’m wanting ahead to getting the job accomplished.
“He’s nervous. He hasn’t fought on the large stage. He was pleased on the press convention, however he’ll be again to small corridor exhibits after this. His time is over. I’m ending his streak.
“Who does he assume he’s? He’s received two fights and thinks he’s Mike Tyson. I believe he’s a bit delusional. I can’t wait to show him incorrect.
“I’m assured I’ll cease him. I’m too huge, sturdy, good and quick. He’s by no means beating me, ever. The followers can see the dangerous blood. It’s going to be toe-to-toe from the beginning.”
Crocker, who secured 4 wins in 2023, trains below veteran Scottish coach Billy Nelson. He credit his transfer to Scotland as a game-changer for his profession and private life.
“Mentally, it was vital to come back to Scotland, the place all the things is about up for me with Billy and the fitness center workforce,” Crocker stated. “Every little thing is nice right here.
“Again residence, distractions like ingesting and partying have been a problem. Once I didn’t have fights, all the things was falling aside. Coaching right here has modified me mentally and bodily, each inside and outdoors the ring.”
Crocker-Walker is a part of an enormous evening in Birmingham. The principle occasion options Tyler Denny (18-2-3, 1 KO) defending his European middleweight title in opposition to former British and Commonwealth champion Felix Money (16-0, 10 KOs).
Moreover, Cameron Vuong (4-0, 3 KOs) will tackle Jeff Ofori (13-7-2, 4 KOs) over 10 rounds at junior welterweight. Shannon Ryan (7-0) and Emma Dolan (6-0, 1 KO) will make historical past as the primary ladies to contest the British junior bantamweight title, with Dolan’s Commonwealth title additionally on the road.
Hamza Uddin (1-0, 1 KO) will face Giulio Commerso (4-1, 1 KO); Aqib Fiaz (12-1, 1 KO) will battle Kane Baker (19-11-2, 1 KO) over eight rounds at light-weight; Ibraheem Sulaimaan (3-0, 2 KOs) is about for Jesus Gonzalez (3-1) over six rounds; Muhammad Mustafa Ali (4-0, 1 KO) will struggle Kelvin Madjid over six; and Emanuel Odiase (2-0, 1 KO) will kick off before-the-bell motion.
