“The world’s best.” A new board has been mounted in Sandy Row to pay tribute to Lewis ‘The Croc’ Crocker, Sandy Row’s very own world champion, who “honed his craft at Cairn Lodge boxing club” on the West Circular and became “IBF world welterweight champion” at “Windsor Park, Belfast, 13th September 2025.” Crocker lost the title in June 2026, to the Australian Liam Paro.
On the right is soccer-player George Best, who grew up in Cregagh and debuted for Manchester United at the age of 17. “George Best at the age of 22 was awarded the prestigious Ballon d’Or on the 24th December 1968.”
The new board was unveiled by Crocker himself on Thursday, September 10th (BBC). There is also a small board to Crocker on Donegall Road.
Blythe Street, Sandy Row, south Belfast. For the Robert Dougan mural, see T01100.
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Copyright © 2026 Paddy Duffy
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Paddy Duffy Collection 