Lewis Crocker vs Conah Walker: Eddie Hearn hails rising Belfast boxing star ahead of 'absolute war'

Eddie Hearn has welcomed the no-nonsense approach from Lewis Crocker after revealing the Belfast boxer showed no hesitation accepting a fight against Conah Walker.

The Matchroom promoter believes the clash is one of the "best fights" that can be made in the UK and Ireland, and says he expects an "absolute war" when the pair meet at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham on June 22.

Crocker has eased to a perfect record of 19-0, with 11 of those wins coming by way of stoppage. Last time out he blitzed Jose Felix at the Ulster Hall, but Walker presents a sterner test for the Sandy Row native.

Read more: Michael Conlan opens up on depression battle and hitting 'lowest point'

Read more: Allen still believes he can be world champ despite losing to 'bravest shot ever'

And Hearn believes it's a match-up made in heaven.

He said: “For me, one of the best fights that can be made in this country and for Irish boxing, Conah Walker against Lewis Crocker. This fight is an absolute war, well done to both men for taking it. There’s something about Conah Walker - he beat Cyrus Pattinson, then went to Belfast to win as well, he’s a tough, tough, tough son of a gun.

“Lewis Crocker has plans to go on to fight for a Welterweight World championship, he’s one of the biggest punchers in the division. Everyone knows how good Conah Walker is and then you phone up Lewis Crocker and his team and say, “do you want to come and fight an in from guy at 147lbs in his back yard?”

"And the answer is, “yes” straight away. It’s what we need in boxing. It’s a brilliant fight."

Meanwhile, Crocker believes Walker has "bitten off more than he can chew".

The Croc said: “It’s great to be back on a Matchroom card. This fight is a war and it’s going to be toe-to-toe from the first bell. I could easily out-box this guy but it won’t be that way.

“Conah is in form and in his last two fights he’s looked great. I just believe he’s bitten off more than he can chew this time and I’m just the better fighter.

“Fighters should be taking these type of fights! I’m excited and I can see the dread he has.”

Walker - whose record stands at 13 wins, two defeats and one draw - expects fireworks when the pair trade leather in Birmingham.

“We don’t need to sell the fight, it sells itself. He’s undefeated and meant to be this big puncher, I’m yet to find that out. Is it the toughest fight of my career? Who knows? Eddie keeps giving me opponents that are made for me," the 28-year-old said.

“It depends which Crocker comes out on the night, he claims to be a dog but we’ll see when he meets a real dog in me. I’m there to have a real good ding dong.

“Lewis Crocker is the first step towards massive fights and he won’t get in the way of where I want to go. I’m really excited for this one.

“This time I’m co-main on the top table against a great fighter. We sold a few tickets last time but now my profile is getting bigger and I’m expected to sell big on this. Eddie, I won’t let you down!”

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox