Belfast fighter Lewis Crocker has said he felt disrespected after his controversial victory over Paddy Donovan back in March, and is now ready to improve on that performance during Saturday night's rematch.
Crocker was handed victory in dramatic circumstances after his opponent, Limerick’s Paddy Donovan, was deemed to have thrown a punch after the bell at the end of the eighth round, leading to his disqualification.
The IBF later granted the rematch, following positive talks with both camps, before declaring it a world title fight following Jaron Ennis’s move up to the super-welterweight division.
After the fight, both boxers were keen to get another duel in the ring, with Crocker saying the initial talks started the day after the first fight.
"I was on the phone to Jamie Conlan, my manager, the next day, and I said, 'get the rematch made’", Crocker said.
"That fight needed it and there's no other fight that I want.
"I think we both deserve the rematch. So, obviously, we've shared the ring together, and I've always said he's a great fighter.
"There's mutual respect there, but we'll be going for it on the 13th", Crocker explained.
Crocker, who is Belfast born, is now focused on proving his doubters wrong as he looks to claim the IBF World Welterweight crown.
Knowing he will need the fight of his life in order to claim the world title, a mix of emotions will be key to driving him on next time out.
Speaking to reporters last week, Crocker said, "Yeah, I definitely do (feel disrespected) but it's good.
"I've never been in this position before, so I feel like I'll surprise a lot of people on the night.
"The way I look at the last fight, I can only do better, you know what I mean? So, this time around, I need to be better in every aspect, and that's where I'm going to be", he concluded.
As a Belfast boxer who is fighting for a world title in his hometown, there is no shortage of motivation for ‘The Croc’.
"It means everything to Belfast," the 28-year-old said.
"To get another world champion would be exceptional, and it gives other fighters opportunities to be on big cards and have the big promoters over, so it would be a dream to become world champion."
Crocker found the sport through his sister Alanna, so like Donovan, there is also a family pride aspect at stake.
"I got into boxing because of my sister Alanna, so it's great to keep going on it," he said.
"She's a boxing coach so it still runs in the family, and this event means the world to me and it means the world to my family as well."
Although his opponent is determined to let his fists do the talking and not let the home crowd faithful get too excited, Crocker is mindful of their impact in a fight of this magnitude.
"The crowd was amazing last time, like it always is in Belfast", the fighter said ahead of the Windsor Park showdown.
"I think it’s around 20,000 (capacity), so it will be insane. It will be a memorable night for sure.
"So, I'll feed off the crowd, the crowd's energy, everything. It's going to be amazing, and that's what I'm looking very forward to", he added.
Crocker met with some of the Linfield players recently, and he values the level of support he is sure to get from those in attendance.
Knowing all this, the Belfast man is still conscious that he needs to deliver a top showing if he is to become a world champion.
"I have to be better in every aspect. I have to put on the performance of my life on the 13th", he said.
"It was the worst that I fought and just happened to be on the biggest occasion. So, a lot of changes have to be made and I need to be a much better fighter next time around and that's what I plan on being.
"Styles makes fights, so it was good that we shared them rounds anyway and banked them.
"We'll know what each other's all about now as well.
"I know I'll be better, but you know, Paddy was a good fighter on the night, so I know what to prepare for."
