‘You don’t hold a win over an ex-world champion for nothing’ – Crocker expecting test

Heavy-hitting welterweight Lewis Crocker [8(6)-0] is eager to pit his wits against recent French champion Karim Aliliche [11-8-2] on June 21.

‘Croc’ battles the experienced visitor,  who boasts a win over former world champion Souleymane M’baye, on an #MTKFightNight at Belfast’s Ulster Hall – live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and on iFL TV.

Having outfoxed the talented Jumanne Camero last time out, Crocker is eager to get in with another high-class fighter over a scheduled eight rounds.

Crocker said: “It’s clear Aliliche is a good fighter. He’s a recent national champion and has some notable wins so I’m expecting a good tough fight.

“You don’t hold a win over an ex-world champion for nothing so it’s definitely another step up on Camero. Camero was tricky but I stayed composed and won handily enough.

“Before I fought Cameron, I hadn’t fought in nine months so this time around, I’ll be that bit sharper having gone straight back into camp for this one.

“I’ve learned a lot in my last two fights, which have both gone the distance. Those lessons will be beneficial to me in my career.”

Alongside Crocker vs. Aliliche, the bill is topped by the WBO European light-heavyweight title clash between Steven Ward and Liam Conroy and Tyrone McKenna’s WBC International super-lightweight title showdown with Darragh Foley.

A busy undercard stars the likes of Taylor McGoldrick, Caoimhin Agyarko and Owen O’Neill.