Crocker says Paro favourite status eases pressure ahead of clash

Lewis Crocker says facing odds-on favourite Liam Paro has lifted the mental burden he carried in his last big fight. The welterweight contender believes the underdog role gives him an edge going into the contest.

“Paro is the odds-on favourite here and everyone is coming to see him. I went through that the last time, so it takes a bit of ease off my mind and I'm prepared.”

— Lewis Crocker, via BBC Sport

What Lewis Crocker said

Crocker meets Paro in a welterweight encounter that has the Australian positioned as the betting favourite. The Belfast fighter previously entered a major bout as the favourite himself, a position he found mentally taxing. Paro carries the crowd expectations this time.

What it moves

Crocker's comments suggest he thrives when the spotlight falls elsewhere. How Paro handles the favourite's mantle could swing the fight. The welterweight division remains wide open, and an upset would vault Crocker into the title conversation while derailing Paro's momentum.

Source: bbc.com. Full Lewis Crocker fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.