It has been nine years since Australia hosted a major world title fight. On that memorable day, Brisbane's own Jeff Horn defeated boxing legend Manny Pacquiao via unanimous decision to claim the WBO and lineal welterweight titles. Now, Queensland native Liam Paro aims to follow in Horn's footsteps by winning a world title in Brisbane when he takes on Lewis Crocker for the IBF welterweight crown.
Fight Details and Venue
The bout is set for Wednesday, June 24, at Pat Rafter Arena, thanks to No Limit Boxing, which secured the deal to bring the fight to Brisbane. Crocker had initially hoped to host the fight in his home city of Belfast at Windsor Park, but his promoter Eddie Hearn's Matchroom was outbid by Paro's team.
According to reports, No Limit paid $1.125 million to acquire the rights to host the world title bout.
Paro's Ambitions
Paro, who has already won the IBF light-welterweight title, is aiming to emulate former Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech by winning a world title in two weight classes. Fenech became the first Australian boxer to claim world titles at two different weight classes.
Speaking about the opportunity to fight for the welterweight title in his hometown, Paro said: "This is a huge moment for myself and Australian boxing. To have a world-title fight in Australia means the world to me. I want to be a star here in Australia and bring the biggest fights to Australia. Aussie boxers usually have to travel overseas for world-title fights, but No Limit are showing they have the pulling power to bring these fights here. I feel pumped, I'm ready to go."
Paro's Journey to the Title
The former light-welterweight champion claimed his first world title when he upset Subriel Matias for the IBF light-welterweight crown. The Puerto Rican was considered the boogeyman of the division, but Paro marched into his backyard and won a unanimous decision. However, his title reign was short-lived as he lost his first defence to Richardson Hitchins. Paro then stepped up to welterweight, winning his first two fights to set up this blockbuster clash.
Crocker's Challenge
Crocker presents a formidable challenge: he is undefeated in 22 fights with 11 knockouts. He will arrive in Australia next month with a point to prove after surviving back-to-back controversial clashes with Paddy Donovan. Despite Crocker's impressive record, Paro is confident: "I believe I will beat him because I'm the better all-round boxer. Crocker has power but he hasn't fought at the very top level; he has been on the fringe. He is slippery and undefeated, but he will be out of his depth when he steps into the ring with me. When I'm on, no one can really match me, as Matias found out in Puerto Rico. I'm ready to take his undefeated record and his belt."
Significance for Australian Boxing
No Limit boss Matt Rose highlighted the magnitude of the event: "This is massive for Australian boxing. This will be the first world title fight in Brisbane since Jeff Horn beat Manny Pacquiao. It's a significant fight, and Australian sporting fans have to understand just how good Liam Paro is. If he wins this fight, he will become only our second two-division world champion and the first since Jeff Fenech. Lewis Crocker is a seriously dangerous opponent. It's a world-title contest, so these fights are never easy. Crocker has huge power in his left hand, but Liam is one of the smartest fighters in the world today. This is a huge coup for Australian boxing."
Paro was 21 when he saw Horn pull off the seemingly impossible against Pacquiao. Now, at 30, he has the opportunity to make more Australian boxing history in that very same arena.
