Lewis Crocker won the World Welterweight title last month after defeating rival Paddy Donovan in front of a sold-out Windsor Park.
Crocker knocked the Limerick man down twice over the course of a gripping 12-round contest, the second between the two fighters this year, and was ultimately awarded the victory by split decision.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, with IBF World Welterweight Champion Lewis Crocker
The victory led to an outpouring of joy in the city and congratulations from elected representatives from across the political spectrum.
On Thursday night, Lord Mayor of Belfast Tracy Kelly hosted a special reception at City Hall to recognise Crocker’s achievements.
The event, presented by Ruth Gorman, saw coaches, volunteers and young boxers from clubs across the city gather together to celebrate the south Belfast boxer’s historic victory.
Crocker, who is from Sandy Row, was joined by his manager Jamie Conlan to talk about the next steps on his journey and to share stories from his rise to the top, including time spent in clubs across the city honing his skills.
Both men took questions from the audience at the event, which included young male and female boxers from Sandy Row and Holy Trinity Amateur Boxing clubs. where Crocker trained as an amateur.
Young boxer Lewis Morrow from Cairn Lodge Boxing Club joins IBF World Welterweight Champion Lewis Crocker at a special civic reception in City Hall
Ms Kelly said: “I’m so pleased to host this special event for Lewis and give his achievements the recognition they deserve.
“I’ve known the Crocker family for many years, and they epitomise everything that’s great about sport in our city – the hard work and selflessness of parents, volunteers and coaches to lift young people up and help them achieve their dreams.
“Lewis is such a positive role model, particularly for young boys living in working class communities where barriers to education, sport and wellbeing can still be a real issue. He shows that, if you work hard enough at something, you really can make your dreams come true.
“His words to boxers from clubs city-wide tonight have been inspirational – let’s hope this is the first of many more sporting victories for our young athletes.”
Young boxers Ethan Hoy and Charlie Kidd (Taughmonagh Young Men’s Academy) and Sean McGarry and Cayden Collins (Holy Trinity Boxing Club) join Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, and IBF World Welterweight Champion Lewis Crocker, at a special civic reception in City Hall
News Catch Up – Thursday 23 October
Lewis Crocker said: “It’s always special to be at events like this. Growing up in Sandy Row, you don’t think you’re going to be coming to City Hall to speak to young kids and other boxers about your journey, so I’m thankful and grateful to be here.
“It’s been a long journey to become world champion, a lot of sacrifices have been made to make it to this point, and I’m already starting to focus on what I need to do to make it to the next stage of my career.
“Winning the world title in Windsor Park was a dream come true, and I truly believe everything happens for a reason. That night confirmed it for me – how the first fight played out, then the size of the rematch, and the world title being on the line… it all just worked out perfectly.”