In November 1986 this run came to an end when a visit to Louisville, Kentucky saw him get back to winning ways against the inexperienced Joe Adams.
Four straight victories set him up for a shot at Zambian Chisanda Mutti, the reigning Commonwealth champion, in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear on 4 September 1987.
Two victories and a draw against journeymen followed the Lewis defeat before a trip to Moscow in July 1993 resulted in an unsuccessful attempt to win back his IBF belt, losing over 12 rounds to reigning champion Alfred Cole.
McCrory gained a professional trainers license and opened a gym in the Newbiggin Hall Estate in Newcastle.
Wider ambitions for the gym included McCrory's wish for it to be used as a possible training camp for the Team GB boxers before the 2012 Summer Olympics.