Liam Paro may have knocked out the right champion at the right time for a second world title.
After rebuilding with welterweight wins over David Papot and Jonathan Navarro following his December 2024 loss to Richardson Hitchins, Paro now gets a shot at IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker on June 24 in Brisbane. The match drew attention on Tuesday as Paro bypassed most of the deeper names at 147 to move straight into a title fight.
Crocker is undefeated at 22-0, but he is still less established than the other belt holders in the division. Ryan Garcia brings explosive speed and power. Devin Haney is a tough technical battle. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero is a big puncher with massive size for the welterweight division.
Crocker has size and pressure, but he hasn’t faced the same level of opposition. This makes him a realistic target for Paro as he tries to become a two-division champion.
“It’s the kind of moment you dream about as a kid,” Paro said Fox Sports Australia. “Fighting for another world title at home in Australia is massive.
“Crocker is undefeated and champion for a reason. And he comes in full of confidence.
“But I’ve built my career the hard way. I’ve traveled the world, fought in hostile environments and already beaten one of the most dangerous champions in boxing.”
The event opened after Crocker captured the IBF title, and Australian promoters No Limit Boxing narrowly won the purse to bring the fight to Brisbane.
No Limit CEO George Rose believes Paro’s experience against Subriel Matias gives him an edge going into the fight.
“He went into Puerto Rico against one of the most shunned fighters in world boxing and ripped the belt from him,” Rose told Fox Sports Australia.
Paro has already proven he can win at the elite level away from home. His team now appears to believe that Crocker is the best available opening at welterweight before the division gets even tougher.
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Last updated on 2026/05/12 at 13:45
