Liam Paro will challenge IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker on Wednesday, June 24, at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, with the Australian chasing a second world title in a new division.
Paro previously won the IBF super lightweight title by upsetting Subriel Matias in 2024 and now aims to join the list of Australian fighters who have captured world titles in multiple divisions. A win would also make him the first Australian-born boxer since Jeff Fenech to win belts in multiple divisions across the four major organizations.
“This is the kind of moment you dream about as a kid,” Paro said. “To fight for another world title at home in Australia is massive. But there’s no easy road here.”
Watch Paro vs. Papot highlights: Watch
Crocker enters as the unbeaten IBF welterweight champion and has already made it clear he is comfortable travelling to Australia. “I won my world title in Belfast,” Crocker said earlier this year. “I had my moment, so I will travel anywhere.”
No Limit Boxing won the purse bid by just $27,000 over Matchroom, securing the fight for Australia after previous delays. CEO George Rose called it “a proper world title fight,” adding: “This isn’t smoke and mirrors. This isn’t a manufactured fight.”
