Lewis Crocker admits that Deniz Ilbay is his toughest test to date!
Undefeated Lewis Crocker (12-0, 7 KOs) puts his his WBO European welterweight title against Deniz Ilbay (22-2, 10 KOs) at the University of Bolton Stadium. The event will be aired live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV March 12.
It’s the first defense of the title that Crocker superbly won last August. The Belfast man is excited to test his skills against a dangerous opponent.
Lewis Crocker – WBO European Welterweight Champion
“I’m delighted that I’m fighting again and it’s great to get back in the swing of things. Starting 2021 with a big fight is just what I wanted.
“Ilbay has won several titles and has been in there with world class opposition. So I’m expecting my toughest test to date. My mindset hasn’t changed whatsoever. I’m still as hungry as ever and I definitely don’t plan on losing my belt.
“Headlining another show back to back is quite special, and it’s all good experience for me and my progression throughout my career. Training has been great and all the boxes have been ticked.
“This Friday it’s just about going in there and putting on a good performance. The plan is to win this fight, and add more titles to my resume and remain unbeaten.”
Elsewhere on the huge #MTKFightNight on Friday, Gary Cully squares off with Viktor Kotochigov for the vacant WBO European lightweight title. Isaac Lowe returns, Jordan Reynolds makes his professional debut against Robbie Chapman, Sahir Iqbal is back in action, Carl Fail enters the paid ranks for the first time against undefeated Jordan Dujon, and Mace Ruegg meets Johnson Tellez.
It kicks off a huge 7 days, as on March 19, a massive #MTKFightNight takes place, as Lee McGregor challenges Karim Guerfi for his European bantamweight title, and Maxi Hughes meets Paul Hyland Jnr for the vacant British lightweight title.
The event on March 19 also sees Padraig McCrory face Germaine Brown in a clash of unbeaten super-middleweights, Shabaz Masoud goes up against Louis Norman, Jamie Robinson fights Billy Allington, Paul Ryan makes his professional debut against Kyle Hughes, and William Hamilton returns.
