Lewis Crocker loses IBF welterweight crown to Liam Paro in Brisbane

Paro, already a former IBF light-welterweight champion, secured a unanimous 115-113 verdict from all three judges after a punishing contest.

In doing so, he became the first Australia-born boxer since Jeff Fenech to secure world titles in two weight divisions.

The 30-year-old Queenslander showcased both skill and grit to dethrone Crocker, who was making his maiden defence of the belt he claimed in Belfast last September. With this victory, Paro improves his record to 28 wins and just one loss, while Crocker, 29, endured his first professional defeat in his 23rd fight after coming agonisingly close to a stoppage in the closing rounds, with Paro just managing to hang on.

The Northern Irishman will now look to rebuild after this setback.

Paro previously lifted his first world title by overcoming the formidable Subriel Matias in June 2024 but lost it in his very next outing against Richardson Hitchens. After stepping up to welterweight last year, his ambition to become a two-weight world champion became reality in front of a raucous Brisbane crowd, though he was pushed to his limits by a determined Crocker.

The outgoing champion worked his way into the bout and almost turned the tables late on, although Paro dug in to survive the onslaught

“It was a great fight, respect to Liam,” Crocker said.

“It was a very close fight. I think a bit more could have been done about the holding but congratulations to Liam, he’s a fantastic fighter.”

Paro told broadcaster Main Event the victory “meant everything”.

“I climbed the mountain before [at light-welterweight] but it's been a long, hard road. I got knocked off and here I am again,” he said.

“I had to dig in. Lewis Crocker is a great champion and held himself like a true champion.

“I had so many people telling me I couldn’t; what now? I want all the big fights now Down Under. I want it all.

“This life is about testing yourself so bring it on.”