Lewis Crocker: IBF welterweight champion open to Conor Benn fight

Despite Crocker scoring two 10-8 rounds on Saturday, some felt Donovan had won enough of the remaining rounds to edge home.

Most at ringside agreed it was close and with Crocker producing a much better performance than his first fight with Donovan in March, the 28-year-old is non-plussed about outside opinions and is simply happy to give young boxers from the city someone new to look up to.

“I had two knockdowns and know I won three of the rounds after. All I know is the judges had it right,” he said.

“Compared to the last fight where I had stitches, waking up yesterday was phenomenal. I feel brilliant and feel like I could go another 12 rounds.

“It was a great fight, great night, a great moment for my family, myself and for Belfast.

“There will have been kids at the arena and it will have inspired them to one day be in the position I’m in. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Crocker was at a reception at Belfast City Hall hosted by the city’s Lord Mayor, Tracy Kelly, who, like the new world champion, is a resident of Sandy Row in the south of the city.

“I’m so proud of Lewis and can’t believe he’s standing here as a world champion from our community,” said Kelly.

“It just shows when kids with big dreams work hard, they can achieve big things. Lewis has done that, boxed as a kid, worked hard and sacrificed, so it’s an amazing achievement.”