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Lewis Crocker determined to prove 'the hype is real' as he prepares to make professional debut at Waterfront Hall

Belfast banger Lewis Crocker (right) weighed in yesterday ahead of his professional debut against Hungary's Ferenc Jarko at the Waterfront Hall tonight. Picture by Colm Leneghan/Pacemaker
Belfast banger Lewis Crocker (right) weighed in yesterday ahead of his professional debut against Hungary's Ferenc Jarko at the Waterfront Hall tonight. Picture by Colm Leneghan/Pacemaker Belfast banger Lewis Crocker (right) weighed in yesterday ahead of his professional debut against Hungary's Ferenc Jarko at the Waterfront Hall tonight. Picture by Colm Leneghan/Pacemaker

LEWIS Crocker is determined to show everybody that “the hype is real” when he makes his much-anticipated professional debut at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall tonight.

The 20-year-old enters the pro ranks with a reputation as a power-puncher, becoming a YouTube sensation after knocking out two opponents in consecutive days at a multi-nations tournament in Spain during his amateur days.

A buzz has surrounded Crocker ever since and, after a last-minute nose operation forced him out of last November’s BoxNation bill at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, he is raring to go tonight.

A scheduled four-rounder with Hungarian Ferenc Jarko (1-0-0) is first up for the former Holy Trinity welterweight, and Crocker knows people will be expecting him to launch his career in the paid ranks with a bang.

“Everybody’s talking about knockout this, knockout that - of course there’s expectation, I know there is,” he said after yesterday’s weigh-in at the Waterfront.

“I believe in my ability and my power. I’ve had a good camp so I think I can produce the goods.

“Everyone’s going to feel pressure – it’s how you deal with it. I’m just looking to show everyone that the hype is real.”

It has been a frustrating couple of years for Crocker, who hasn’t laced up a glove competitively since boxing on a Belfast Beltway show against an American select in the Titanic ballroom back in November 2015.

His hand was raised at the end of three all-action rounds, with the bout named fight of the night.

Although he’s hoping tonight won’t be just as eventful, Crocker can’t wait to step between the ropes again.

“I’ve been out for a long time so I’m just buzzing to get back in the ring now,” he added.

“It was weird even getting weighed in there and people were applauding and stuff. I had to go out and buy a pair of Calvins yesterday as well!

“It has been a bit frustrating but I’m just looking forward to getting in and doing the business.”