Lewis Crocker won a world title and immediately found out how little control comes with it. His first defense of the IBF welterweight belt will come down the road, not by choice, but by process.
No Limit Boxing has secured promotional rights to Crocker’s mandatory defense against Liam Paro after winning Tuesday’s IBF purse in Springfield, New Jersey. The Australian company submitted a bid of $1,152,000, narrowly topping Matchroom Boxing’s offer of $1,125,000. According to IBF rules, Crocker will receive 65 percent of the purse as the defending champion, with the rest going to Paro.
The numbers mattered, but the timing mattered more. Crocker and Matchroom explored alternatives to his title win, including a possible unification and a voluntary defense. The IBF rejected those plans after ruling that the proposed dates fell outside the window for its mandatory obligation. No Limit formally opposed any exception, and the sanctioning body sided with the challenger’s promoter.
Once that door closed, the outcome was predictable. The mandatory was ordered, the purse bid was called, and Crocker’s first defense moved out of Matchroom’s hands. The fight must now take place within 90 days of the trial, with a date and location yet to be finalized. One option being considered is placement on a March 28 pay-per-view card in Las Vegas, reflecting No Limit’s working relationship with PBC and TGB Promotions.
Crocker won the IBF title in Belfast last September, defeating Paddy Donovan for the second time in front of his home crowd. Both fights took place on familiar ground, with local support and promotional control firmly on his side. That run ended the moment the seat belt was fastened.
Winning a title is supposed to expand options. In Crocker’s case, it narrowed them down. The belt brought obligation before leverage, and its first defense will reflect who really controls the terms once the paperwork starts running the show.
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Last updated on 02/03/2026
