Crocker says underdog role brings ease ahead of Paro bout

Lewis Crocker believes entering as the underdog against Liam Paro removes pressure he previously faced. The welterweight challenger says the shift in expectation suits his preparation.

“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 contest where the bookmakers favour the Australian. The Belfast fighter has fought as the favourite before and says the dynamic was more demanding. Paro holds the higher profile heading into the bout.

What it moves

Crocker's remarks suggest he is comfortable absorbing the crowd's backing for Paro. The underdog tag may allow him to box without the weight of home expectations. Paro is yet to respond publicly to his opponent's mindset.

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