By Iain Gray

Copyright newsletter

‘The Croc’ lifted the belt in front of an electric 20,000-strong hometown crowd at Windsor Park on Saturday, the 28-year-old winning what he described as “the greatest night of my life” after a gripping 12-round rematch against Irish rival, Paddy Donovan. All of Northern Ireland exploded with joy as tributes poured in from everyone from both first ministers to Carl Frampton to Linfield Football Club as the Sandy Row premier pugilist reached the top of his sport after a long, hard climb. Now Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, whose departmental brief includes looking after the province’s sports sector, says he’d be glad to see more “unforgettable” world title matches bring the peak of the boxing world to Belfast – and he hopes to help make it happen. He told the News Letter: “We knew Saturday night’s fight would be spectacular and it is fair to say it exceeded everyone’s expectations. Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan served up a classic that will go down in local boxing history, with Lewis emerging by the tightest of margins as Northern Ireland’s newest world champion. “I commend both fighters on their bravery and skill, and for making it an unforgettable night for everyone who attended. “It is my firm hope that more such boxing events can be staged in Belfast and I will do all I can to support any efforts to do so.” Congratulations have poured in from Northern Ireland’s great and the good after the Croc’s victory, and there has even been a call for a civic reception to honour his world champ status. His journey to the belt was a long and difficult one; back in 2018, he won a settlement in a religious discrimination case after he wasn’t selected for the Commonwealth Youth Games despite a chief coach’s recommendation. Crocker believed it was because of his perceived protestant religious belief or unionist political opinion. The Ulster Boxing Council settled the case for £8,500. Speaking after his win on Saturday, the champ said he’d proved his doubters wrong. “Nobody gave me a chance in this fight, nobody,” he said. “This is my dream, I’m world champion.”