Crocker takes on hometown favourite Liam Paro in the first defence of the belt he won in September following a split-decision victory over Paddy Donovan
Belfast’s Lewis Crocker will make the first defence of his IBF welterweight title in Australia on Wednesday.
Crocker takes on hometown favourite Liam Paro in the first defence of the belt he won in September following a split-decision victory over Paddy Donovan.
The 29-year-old, who is unbeaten in 22 professional fights, was ordered to defend his IBF title after Donovan pulled out of a final eliminator against Paro to determine the next mandatory challenger.
Paro’s promoter, No Limit, subsequently won the purse bid to stage the fight in the challenger’s home state of Queensland.
Paro (27-1) is a former IBF light-welterweight titleholder who has stepped up in weight since losing his crown.
Here is all you need to know about the fight:
Where and when is it on?
Crocker and Paro will clash over 12 rounds on Wednesday, 24 June, at Pat Rafter Arena in the Brisbane suburb of Tennyson.
How can I watch it?
All of the action will be broadcast on Fox Sports Australia, with the prelims getting under way at 8am UK time (5pm AEST).
The main card will follow at 10am UK time (7pm AEST), before Crocker and Paro are expected to make their ring walks at around 1pm UK time (10pm AEST).
Fight Card
Lewis Crocker vs Liam Paro – IBF welterweight title
Dempsey McKean vs Liam Talivaa – Heavyweight
Nelson Asofa-Solomona vs George Burgess – Heavyweight
Luke Modini vs Peng Qu – Cruiserweight
Riley Candy vs Nathan Watson – Super middleweight
Vegas Larfield vs Shamal Ram Anuj – Featherweight
Jack Javed vs Lance MacDonald – Super welterweight
Stevan Ivic vs Caleb Tialu – Heavyweight
Quotes Corner
Crocker admits he is the underdog again as he faces former IBF light-welterweight champion Paro, but says that is not a sign of weakness.
“It’s just the fact of the matter. If you ask 99 people here, 98 people are going to say Paro is going to be the successor,” Crocker said at Monday’s press conference.
“Going abroad and stuff, making a big deal out of travelling and stuff, we got out here plenty of time early and the doubts, can I do it like he’s did it abroad and stuff.
“Literally by the odds, he is the favourite to win the fight, so that’s where that comes from.
“Obviously me and the team are confident, but that’s where the underdog thing came from, because I am the underdog to the general public in this fight, but that’s not the way me and my team see it.”
He added: “I was a big underdog in my last fight, and I came through to win the world title in my city, so it’s exciting. Big respect for Liam, a phenomenal fighter, so no doubt we’re going to put on a great performance.”
Paro: “I’m ready to make Australian boxing history.
“It’s the kind of moment you dream about as a kid. To fight for another world title at home in Australia is massive, but there’s no easy road here.
“Crocker is undefeated and champion for a reason, and he’s coming in full of confidence.
“But I’ve built my career the hard way. I’ve travelled the world, fought in hostile environments and already beaten one of the most dangerous champions in boxing.
“I truly believe I’m levels above anyone he has faced, and I can’t wait to make history on June 24.”
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