Crocker's First World Title Defence in Opponent Paro's Home Country
Lewis Crocker fulfilled a lifelong ambition by capturing the IBF welterweight title at Windsor Park in Belfast last September. Following this achievement, speculation quickly arose regarding his next opponent.
Rumours circulated about potential high-profile matches against fighters such as Conor Benn and Devin Haney, as well as a domestic rematch with Conah Walker. However, rather than defending his title on home soil, the 29-year-old Crocker is set to travel to Brisbane, Australia, to face mandatory challenger and local favourite Liam Paro on Wednesday.
After Paddy Donovan, whom Crocker had defeated in a rematch to claim the title and who had an undefeated record of 22 wins, withdrew from a final eliminator bout against Paro in January, Crocker was elevated to mandatory challenger status.
Australian promoter No Limit secured the purse bid, outbidding Crocker's promoter Matchroom by $27,000 (£20,000), granting Paro the chance to contest a world title in his native Queensland.
The roles are somewhat reversed compared to previous encounters. Paro won his first world title in the 10st division by overcoming the odds in June 2024 against Puerto Rico's Subriel Matias on Matias's home turf. However, six months later, Paro was out-pointed by USA's Richardson Hitchens upon returning to Puerto Rico.
This time, Crocker, aged 29, is making the long journey for his first title defence, with Paro enjoying the home crowd advantage at Brisbane's Pat Rafter Centre. Crocker has adopted a philosophical outlook on the situation.
"Paro is the odds-on favourite here and everyone is coming to see him," Crocker said.
"I went through that the last time, so it takes a bit of ease off my mind and I'm prepared."
Timing Could Be Key for Crocker
Crocker's left hook proved a valuable weapon in his world title win against Paddy Donovan
He will need to be well-prepared to face a challenger who has demonstrated world-class ability, albeit in a lower weight division.
Paro, 30, is known for his aggressive style from the opening bell, effectively using his southpaw stance combined with speed and feints. These tactics helped him secure early rounds against Matias and Hitchens.
Against Matias, Paro endured significant punishment from a powerful puncher but was unable to maintain his initial momentum against Hitchens, whose timing allowed him to take control. This aspect will be critical for Crocker to exploit.
In Crocker's rematch victory over Donovan, a precisely timed left hook caused significant damage to the Limerick fighter, leaving him badly hurt. This same punch troubled Paro during his demanding welterweight debut win against David Papot in September, which resulted in Paro having a closed right eye after 12 rounds.
Crocker, who has 11 knockouts in 22 wins, has gained considerable experience fighting southpaws in his two bouts against Donovan. While ideally aiming to end the fight decisively on foreign soil, Crocker acknowledges the challenge ahead.
"Liam Paro is a great fighter," the defending champion said.
"He first came onto my radar when he won the world title at light-welter. I was actually rooting for him as he was such a big underdog [against Matias], but I never looked then and thought I'd be fighting him.
"He's experienced, a former world champion and been in with some of the biggest names. He's a tough guy, a great boxer with good fundamentals, so I'll have to be at my best."
Paro endured a gruelling contest in his welterweight debut against David Papot last September
Crocker adjusted his strategy for the second fight against Donovan, opting to box and counterpunch from the back foot rather than engaging in close exchanges, which he survived partly due to Donovan's disqualification.
Since winning the world title, Crocker has changed coaches, with Huzaifah Iqbal replacing Billy Nelson. This may lead to further tactical adjustments, a flexibility that Paro recognizes.
"His last two fights show he can change his game-plan significantly," Paro commented.
"You saw the first Donovan fight compared to the second, so we've got to be ready for anything he brings to the table.
"I've heard him say he is the bigger man, which gives me the feeling he is going to try and walk through me. But I have to be wary of everything as he has a very unorthodox style, he's left hook-happy, so we have to stick to the game-plan and execute it properly.
"If he wants to come [forward], I'll walk him onto punches until he can't resist them anymore."
Paro Aims to Emulate Jeff Fenech
Paro is not only pursuing a first world title victory on home soil but also aspires to become only the second Australia-born fighter to claim world titles in multiple weight divisions, following Jeff Fenech, who won championships in three divisions between bantamweight and featherweight during the 1980s.
"To join the name of Jeff Fenech - the greatest Australian boxer we've had - is humbling," Paro said.
"I don't want to look too far ahead as I've a tough test in Crocker, but what's on the horizon is enough motivation to keep pushing and make history."
While history awaits Paro, both fighters understand that victory will open opportunities for significant bouts against prominent names in a highly competitive division.
Neither victory is expected to come easily. Although Crocker faces a challenging first defence, he recognizes the potential for transformative opportunities if he prevails.
"I've an ex-world champion to beat here and then the doors really open up for me," Crocker acknowledged.
"I'm really focused for Paro, but aware of what's around the corner."
- Boxing schedule and results 2026
- Watch every Born to Brawl episode
More Boxing from the BBC
Notifications, social media and more with
