LEWIS CROCKER says he has the power – and will be taking the glory against Paddy Donovan.
The unbeaten Irish welterweights clash in Belfast on Saturday night in an IBF world title eliminator.
Crocker has home advantage and says he can lord it over The Real Deal in other ways too.
He said: “I have the better resume for sure.
“There’s no doubt about that. Without a doubt I’m the heavier handed guy.
“I’m the bigger puncher in this fight. He’s definitely underestimating me. I’m not underestimating him.
“Am I going to lose against Paddy Donovan? Absolutely f***ing not. I’ve got under his skin already.
“He’s nervous. I’m too big, too strong. Nobody is going to stop me from getting to where I want to go.”
Crocker clocks in with a 55 per cent KO ratio, with Donovan’s a bruising 79 per cent.
That can perhaps be explained by Crocker having 20 fights on his slate compared to his rival’s 14, with his later contests being at a higher level where the judges of ten come into the equation.
And Crocker said: “Paddy is accurate when he seems to knock people out and stuff. But that’s people making stupid mistakes.
“I know what’s going to happen on fight night. I have everything visualised. I feel so good about this.
“I’ve never given up on the dream. He’ll not be able to stop me or knock me out. For sure. I’ll fight down to the last breath.
“It’s going to be fireworks. I couldn’t care less about any build-up or whatever because we’re going to get in the ring and settle it like men.”
Crocker is trained by Scotsman Billy Nelson, whose heavyweight Martin Bakole was defeated by Joe Parker in Riyadh on Saturday night.
Parker is coached by Andy Lee – who will be in Donovan’s corner at the SSE Arena.
‘VAST IMPROVEMENT’
But Nelson – who has worked with Crocker for six fights now – is adamant his man will prevail on this occasion.
He said: “When I first got a call regarding Lewis, I had a look up on BoxRec, watched a few videos of him.
“Immediately I knew that I could improve him as a fighter. We’ve been together now about 18 months, maybe two years. The improvement is vast.
“I think he lacked confidence. He was a long time out of the ring. Various injuries, no fights. Struggling financially because this is his only source of income. We’ve helped him.
“Paddy Donovan will get knocked out. I’m sorry but that’s what is going to happen.
“I truly believe that, and it could be very very early. Just watch yourself Paddy, watch yourself.”
