Lewis Crocker: Belfast fighter misses weight for Jose Felix Ulster Hall fight

Crocker weighed in three pounds heavier than the 10st 5lb limit

Belfast welterweight Lewis Crocker has missed the weight before his bout against Mexico's Jose Felix on Saturday night at the Ulster Hall.

The 27-year-old, who is aiming to make it 19 wins from 19 professional fights on Saturday, came in at 10st 7lb (66.6kg) during the weigh in, missing the 10st 5lb (65.7kg) limit.

It means Crocker cannot win the vacant WBO intercontinental welterweight belt.

Felix, who has a 40-6-1 record, weighed in at 10st 5lb (65.7kg).

The Mexican will win the title with victory over Crocker.

• 'The stage is set for a big night' - Crocker

Crocker is making a swift return to the ring with the Felix fight coming just eight weeks after he defeated fellow Belfast fighter Tyrone McKenna at the start of December to win the WBA continental European title.

"Earlier in the week, as always, the BBBofC [British Boxing Board of Control] do their check weights and Lewis Crocker didn't manage to make that check weight," said Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith.

"There was a weight limit set that he couldn't come below and Felix's team were aware. They wanted to make 147 [10st 5lb] as Jose wanted the opportunity to win the title.

"The title will be on the line for Jose, but unfortunately not for Lewis. It is one of those rules for the safety of the boxers that the BBFC put in place, but we have a great fight ahead of us."