Lewis Crocker to Defend IBF Welterweight Title in Brisbane
Belfast's Lewis Crocker is set to defend his IBF world welterweight title against Australian challenger Liam Paro on 24 June. The bout will be held at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, with the date and venue officially confirmed on Wednesday.
Crocker aims to secure a victory over Paro to potentially pave the way for a unification fight with another champion in the welterweight division.
The 29-year-old boxer claimed the IBF welterweight title in September 2025 by winning a split decision against Paddy Donovan at Belfast's Windsor Park. Initially, Crocker's team sought to hold the title defense against mandatory challenger Paro in Belfast. However, as no agreement was reached between the parties, the situation was settled through a purse bid. No Limit outbid Crocker's promoter Matchroom by $27,000 (£20,000), securing the rights to stage the fight.
Crocker's manager, Jamie Conlan, disclosed in February that the Belfast fighter was recovering from a hand injury.
Liam Paro is attempting to become a two-time world champion. He previously claimed the IBF super lightweight title in 2024 by defeating Subriel Matias in an upset. Paro also secured a victory over French boxer David Papot at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane last September.
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