Lewis Crocker: 'The stage is set for a big night' - Belfast fighter confident about Felix bout
- Published
Lewis Crocker lands a punch on Tyrone McKenna in the 'Battle of Belfast' last month
Belfast welterweight Lewis Crocker is relishing taking on Mexico's Jose Felix in Saturday night's fight at the Ulster Hall.
The 27-year-old is aiming to make it 19 wins from 19 professional fights when he faces Felix, who has a 40-6-1 record.
Crocker cannot win the vacant WBO intercontinental welterweight belt after missing weight on Friday.
"I'm expecting a tough fight but one I'm looking forward to," said Crocker.
"I feel excited and the stage is set for a big night on Saturday. The atmosphere is going to spur me on."
The fight was originally planned to be held at Newforge Sports Complex but it has been moved to a venue synonymous with big fight nights in Belfast.
Crocker is making a quick return to the ring after defeating fellow Belfast fighter Tyrone McKenna at the start of December to win the WBA continental European title.
It is much sooner than Crocker expected but he is happy to showcase his talent once again against Felix, who beat Irish lightweight hope Gary Cully in Dublin in May.
Jose Felix celebrates his victory over Gary Cully at the 3 Arena in Dublin in May
"I didn't think I'd be fighting again to late February at the least as I'd only just fought, so I was enjoying Christmas," he added.
"I was in the [Belfast] Christmas Market about 20 times and I was sitting with a big kebab, half eaten and then 'here, do you want to fight?'.
"I was thinking it surely won't happen but the next thing I'm sticking on my running gear because I've got to lose weight again.
"I'm back so soon but it's part of the job. I love it, as soon as you're in your routine you feel great again. Next month I'll definitely not be fighting, I'll be taking a wee holiday somewhere.
"It was Belfast v Belfast last time so I feel like there's more pressure here. This guy is a more dangerous opponent, so I'm not taking my eye off the ball. He's coming off a big win against Gary Cully so he'll be confident in his approach to this fight."
Belfast fight nights
Crocker also hopes to become a beacon for boxing in Belfast after the retirement of two-weight world champion Carl Frampton and with Olympic medallist Michael Conlan considering his future after his defeat by Jordan Gill last month.
"Belfast is reaching out for someone else to fly the banner, especially with Frampton retired and Mick coming to the end of his career," he said.
"Belfast will always get behind the big fighter and I think with me being back out so soon again it puts me in a good position for a big year.
"So I'll get this one over me and I can be the next one to bring fight nights back to Belfast. It's always great to fight in my home town.
"He [Felix] says he has support but I think he's wrong if he thinks he's going to get any support on Saturday night - it will be my fans there.
"I'm bringing a big crowd with me so the atmosphere is going to be great and everything's there to have an amazing night."
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- Published11 January
