Lewis Crocker relishes underdog role ahead of Liam Paro clash

Lewis Crocker says fighting as the underdog against Liam Paro removes pressure ahead of their welterweight bout. The Belfast fighter expects the crowd to back his opponent when they meet.

“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 faces Paro in a welterweight contest with the Australian entering as the bookmakers' choice. The Northern Irishman has previously entered fights as the favourite and says the reversed dynamic suits him better. Both men are positioning themselves for bigger opportunities in the division.

What it moves

Crocker's mindset suggests he believes the mental edge shifts when expectations are lowered. Paro will likely carry the burden of meeting those odds when they face off. The welterweight landscape could shift depending on who capitalizes on the pressure dynamic.

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