Lewis Crocker is aware that a win over Conah Walker could bring him closer to an all-Irish bout against undefeated Limerick talent Paddy Donovan later this year.
Crocker (19-0, 11 KOs), of Belfast, will face Walker (13-2-1, 5 KOs), of Wolverhampton, England, for the WBA International title at Resorts World Arena Birmingham on Saturday. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN.
Crocker, nicknamed “The Croc,” recently scored a fifth-round knockout against Mexico’s Jose Felix at Ulster Hall in January. The 27-year-old native of Sandy Row aims to deliver another dominant performance against the resurgent Walker on away soil.
“I always say that the end goal is a world title,” Crocker said. “This fight is perfect for getting a world ranking and a new belt. This isn’t a 50-50 fight; I’m the better fighter. He’s been talking a lot, and I’m looking forward to getting the job done.
“He’s nervous. He hasn’t fought on the big stage. He was happy at the press conference, but he’ll be back to small hall shows after this. His time is over. I’m ending his streak.
“Who does he think he is? He’s won two fights and thinks he’s Mike Tyson. I think he’s a bit delusional. I can’t wait to prove him wrong.
“I’m confident I’ll stop him. I’m too big, strong, smart and fast. He’s never beating me, ever. The fans can see the bad blood. It’s going to be toe-to-toe from the start.”
Crocker, who secured four wins in 2023, trains under veteran Scottish coach Billy Nelson. He credits his move to Scotland as a game-changer for his career and personal life.
“Mentally, it was important to come to Scotland, where everything is set up for me with Billy and the gym team,” Crocker said. “Everything is great here.
“Back home, distractions like drinking and partying were an issue. When I didn’t have fights, everything was falling apart. Training here has changed me mentally and physically, both inside and outside the ring.”
Crocker-Walker is part of a big night in Birmingham. The main event features Tyler Denny (18-2-3, 1 KO) defending his European middleweight title against former British and Commonwealth champion Felix Cash (16-0, 10 KOs).
Additionally, Cameron Vuong (4-0, 3 KOs) will take on 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 history as the first women to contest the British junior bantamweight title, with Dolan’s Commonwealth title also on the line.
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 lightweight; Ibraheem Sulaimaan (3-0, 2 KOs) is set for Jesus Gonzalez (3-1) over six rounds; Muhammad Mustafa Ali (4-0, 1 KO) will fight Kelvin Madjid over six; and Emanuel Odiase (2-0, 1 KO) will kick off before-the-bell action.
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