Mural unveiled celebrating sporting greats Crocker and Best

A mural has been unveiled in south Belfast to celebrate former IBF World Welterweight Champion Lewis Crocker.

The new artwork replaces the long-standing George Best mural on Blythe Street in Sandy Row and now features both sporting greats side by side.

The official unveiling took place on Thursday evening.

Lewis Crocker, who unveiled the mural, said it proved dreams can come true.

"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 helped organise the new mural, said that with a tribute to Alex Higgins also featured in the area, a dedication to Lewis was overdue.

"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 said it was always great to see something positive come to the Sandy Row area.

"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, who was one of those from the area who turned up to the unveiling, said: "Lewis is the toughest boxer ever so it's nice to be here."

Johnathan Johnston said the local community was buzzing for Lewis and the new mural.

"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."