THE RESULT: Lewis ‘The Croc’ Crocker delights the Belfast faithful inside the city’s Ulster Hall by finishing Mexican dangerman Jose Felix in round five.
KEY MOMENTS: Felix was docked a point in round three by referee Marcus McDonnell for throwing a second low blow, the first affecting Crocker far more. Crocker threw a peach of a left hook to Felix’s body in the fourth which put Felix down for the 10th time in his career, but he showed his fortitude by getting back to his feet. The thudding left hook Crocker which ended the fight in round five came at the end of a three-punch combination highlighting the difference in power.
RECORDS: Crocker’s unbeaten record moves up to, 19-0 (11). Felix is nearing the 50-fight mark but another defeat takes the Sinaloa slugger to, 40-7-1 (31).
TALKING POINT: Eight months ago, Felix was competing at 135lbs in his impressive win over Gary Cully. Tonight, he was by far the smaller man and should move back down to lightweight. He wasn’t shy in throwing his shots, but Crocker’s proved to have far more impact as they should have done.
QUOTABLE: “I knew he was dangerous, but no man was beating me here tonight,” Crocker told DAZN in the ring post-fight. Having weighed in three pounds over the welterweight limit at the weigh-in Crocker confirmed he still plans to fight at 147lbs. “Welterweight is always the plan. I would have made 147 but I came in slightly over at the pre-weigh in this week and they wouldn’t let me come under 150. I only had four and a half, five weeks camp after the last one. I’m 147 one million per cent.” A potential all-Irish fight against Paddy Donovan was mooted during fight week. The Limerick ace also won this evening and speaking about that potential match-up, Crocker said: “Paddy’s a great fighter. It’s a huge stadium fight and I hope if it happens, we both get well compensated. A real 50-50 fight.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Crocker is now building a reputation for himself and Matchroom are keen on matching him against Donovan. But will it happen next? Jose Felix will be back and don’t be surprised if we see him on UK shores once again.