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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Conor McGregor of Ireland walks in the octagon before his lightweight bought against :Dustin Poirier during UFC 264: Poirier v McGregor 3 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1328081544.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Conor McGregor of Ireland walks in the octagon before his lightweight bought against :Dustin Poirier during UFC 264: Poirier v McGregor 3 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Lewis Crocker’s recent victory took an unexpected turn. The Belfast welterweight, known for his knockout power, faced Mexico’s Jose Felix in a charged matchup on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. But Crocker’s win was overshadowed by controversy. He tipped the scales at 150lbs, missing the crucial 147lbs limit.
This slip barred him from claiming the WBO intercontinental welterweight title. Adding to the drama, Crocker changed glove sizes before the fight, an unusual move that raised eyebrows. Why the last-minute change? And what does this mean for his reputation? His choice of celebration post-fight also turned heads.
The tumultuous bout: Lewis Crocker vs. Jose Felix
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Lewis Crocker was aiming for his 19th win. The fight started cautiously, with both boxers sizing each other up in the initial rounds. Crocker, despite missing the 147lbs weight limit by three pounds, displayed his characteristic power. The turning point came in the fifth round. Crocker landed a devastating left hook, sending Felix to the canvas. This powerful blow marked the end of the contest, securing Crocker’s 19th victory and his 11th by a knockout.
DAZN posted a video capturing a moment that would ignite further controversy. In the clip, Crocker, fresh off his victory, emulated Conor McGregor’s ‘Billionaire Strut’. This act, a brazen display of confidence, was juxtaposed with the reality of the pre-fight issues. DAZN heightened the intrigue by tagging McGregor in the post, bringing the famous MMA fighter’s attention to Crocker’s imitation.
This gesture, meant as a triumphant celebration, instead sparked a wave of criticism and debate among fans and observers, overshadowing the fight’s outcome
Mimicking Conor McGregor: Celebration or provocation?
The first reaction expressed disappointment in Crocker’s behavior, especially considering his failure to make the weight for a lighter opponent. They suggested that Crocker should have accepted his win with more grace and less fanfare.
Cut this you didn’t make weight for a 135lb fighter. Take the W graciously and get out of there
— mcrhero (@mcr_hero) January 27, 2024
Then, another user chimed in, succinctly branding Crocker’s post-victory strut as “embarrassing.”
Embarrassing
— Ciaran Flaherty (@CiaranFlaherty8) January 28, 2024
Another user criticized Crocker not just for his failure to meet the weight requirement, but also for last-minute changes to glove sizes and complaints about low blows that they believed were legitimate. This fan’s reaction pointed to a broader perception of unprofessionalism surrounding Crocker’s conduct in the fight.
This 🤡 didn't make weight for starters. Changed glove sizes before the fight and then cried about low blows that never where low. Super middleweight defeats a lightweight and he is acting like he did something special. Somebody give him his mask so he can do this pic.twitter.com/fVGqlSVRhI
— you don't say (@MEM_IMAGES_LA) January 28, 2024
Similarly, a comment highlighted the weight class disparity, questioning Crocker’s exuberant celebration after defeating an opponent from a lighter category. This reaction underscored a sense of disproportion in Crocker’s reaction to his victory.
Bro beat up a lightweight and is this happy
— no one (@tasteofchia) January 27, 2024
One comment brought a tinge of sarcasm, acknowledging Crocker’s win over a lighter opponent with a subdued tone. This response seemed to sum up the collective sentiment: a recognition of Crocker’s victory, but with an undercurrent of skepticism about its significance.
Congrats on beating a lightweight I guess
— Mamagüevo (@sonicbloos) January 27, 2024
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While his physical prowess in the ring is undeniable, the reactions to his mimicry of McGregor’s strut post-victory bring into question the delicate balance between confidence and humility in the sport.
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Is it merely the triumphs in the ring, or does the manner in which they handle their victories and setbacks also play an equally important role? What do you believe defines a true champion in the realm of professional sports?
Watch this story: All We Know So Far About Boxing Legend Slamming Conor McGregor With His Own Punch Line