Mural unveiled celebrating sporting greats Crocker and Best

A new mural celebrating former IBF World Welterweight Champion Lewis Crocker and sporting icon George Best has been unveiled in south Belfast. The artwork, which replaces the long-standing mural of George Best on Blythe Street in Sandy Row, now showcases both sporting legends side by side. Lewis Crocker, the former IBF welterweight champion, attended the official unveiling event on Thursday evening.

Lewis Crocker, who unveiled the mural, expressed his joy at finally being recognized and celebrated in his hometown. He remarked, "I'm just a boy from Sandy Row and I'm beside George Best. Just to be up there and be recognised is amazing. It really is an unbelievable feeling. I could never imagine that as a kid."

DUP Councillor Tracy Kelly, who played a key role in organizing the new mural, stated that dedicating a tribute to Lewis Crocker was long overdue. She explained, "There have been talks and chats for months but we've finally got it here today. George has been on that wall for 20 years. He had to stay on the wall, I think if we had just taken him off people would have been too upset. I think it's a nice tribute to have both on the wall."

Local businessman Ben Allen praised the positive addition to the Sandy Row business area, stating, "Anything that's positive in Sandy Row has to be good. Lewis is the local celebrity. George Best is a massive pull for tourists so it's great to see the two of them on the same mural."

Jack Burke, a local community member who attended the unveiling, expressed his admiration for Lewis Crocker, saying, "Lewis is the toughest boxer ever so it's nice to be here." Johnathan Johnston, another attendee, noted that the local community was thrilled for Lewis and the new mural, adding, "It's class to see Lewis on the wall. It is so well deserved. I always knew he was going to be a world champion."