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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Lewis Crocker forced to withdraw from Michael Conlan bill

Lewis Crocker has been forced to withdraw from Saturday night's Michael Conlan bill. The unbeaten welterweight picked up a rib injury in his final spar and won't feature on the undercard.

The 25-year-old was gearing up for his first outing under new trainer Adam Booth but will have to wait until later in the year for his ring return.

Conlan Boxing's Jamie Conlan told Belfast Live: "It came in the last round of his final spar. He got a slight knock on his rib but didn't think anything of it.

Read more: Burnett hails young boxers for taking 'risky fight' on Conlan undercard

"He then came home for fight week but still felt it. He went to see a chiropractor who said there was cartilage damage on his ribs and he needs three weeks' rest.

"Lewis is okay. He had a fantastic first camp and I am gutted for him.

"He won't be able to showcase what he has learned under Adam Booth. He was in Marbella for a training camp and his mindset was spot on.

"I think we would have seen Lewis for the first time as a proper professional. Living the life, spending time away in camp and living like a professional athlete.

"But it is a small bump on the road for him."

Michael Conlan previously declared Crocker as a future star of boxing here, a sentiment echoed by older sibling Jamie.

"I think working with Adam will bring Lewis to the next level. I always said we have only seen Lewis at 40 per cent," Jamie added.

"I think he can be a superstar in Belfast and someone the fans will love. He is genuinely one of the hardest punchers, and even Adam has said the same.

"Adam has worked with some heavyweights including David Haye and Joe Joyce. All these big guys.

"When you start hearing someone like Adam Booth praising a fighter who is 13 or 14-0, you stand up and take notice."

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