Liam Paro defeats Lewis Crocker to win IBF welterweight title

Liam Paro became the new IBF world welterweight champion with a unanimous decision victory over Lewis Crocker in Brisbane, winning 115-113 on all three scorecards. The result made Paro a two-division world champion and the first Australian-born fighter to win world titles in multiple weight classes since Jeff Fenech.

Paro produced the higher work rate for long spells of a demanding, high-energy fight, forcing Crocker to defend in volume while the defending champion pressed forward in search of heavier single shots. The Australian attacked the body early, boxed behind the jab and consistently beat Crocker to the punch, though he had to withstand a fierce late push before Mike Fitzgerald, Gerardo Martinez and Katsuhiko Nakamura all returned identical scores.

Crocker, making the first defence of the IBF belt he won against Paddy Donovan in September 2025, was outworked through much of the first half as Paro’s output gave him control of the tempo. His corner urged him to increase his own activity, with the instruction, “You’ve got more than just walking him down, let your hands go,” as Paro built momentum in front of the Brisbane crowd.

Crocker’s power kept the fight tight. He finished the fifth strongly with right hands, had a better sixth as Paro was bloodied and continued to close the gap through the second half, landing enough clean overhand shots to make the challenger work harder for every exchange. Paro’s trainer Alfie di Carlo encouraged him to stay disciplined, while the Australian’s corner later warned him, “Don’t engage, don’t roll with your hands down, you’re going to change your life,” as the contest moved towards the championship rounds.

The final rounds produced the fight’s most dramatic moments. Crocker increased the pressure in the 11th, walking Paro down behind his guard before an accidental blow over the back of the head brought a brief halt and a doctor’s inspection. Paro, cut around the right eye, had to manage further pressure in the 12th after Crocker landed a big right hand and drove him to the ropes.

Paro complained of a headbutt during the closing stages and required another doctor’s check, but he was cleared to continue and spoiled, held and smothered enough of Crocker’s attack to reach the final bell. Crocker raised his arms at the end, but Paro was also lifted in celebration as blood ran down his face, with the three judges siding narrowly but unanimously with the challenger.

Paro emotional after second world title

Speaking to Main Event’s Ben Damon in the ring, Paro said the victory carried personal and national significance after reclaiming world-title status in a second division. “This means everything, a long, hard road. I’ve climbed the mountain before and got knocked off. Here I am again. I’m speechless.

“I had to dig deep, he came here to fight, Lewis Crocker I respect you for life brother, thank you. It’s been a long road, had so many people telling me I couldn’t, what now? Thanks to everyone who came and supported me, Australia deserves the big fights and securing this one, we’re gonna bring all of them Down Under, forget traveling.”

Crocker, who suffered the first defeat of his professional career and fell to 22-1 with 11 knockouts, did not remain in the ring for long but congratulated Paro after a closely contested 12 rounds. “Just want to congratulate Liam, true champion, I respect you, congratulations mate. Great fight, respect to Liam, very close fight. I think [referee Tony Weeks] could’ve done a little bit about the holding, but congratulations, fantastic fighter.”

Paro made clear that his immediate priority is recovery after the damage around his eye, but he also framed the victory as a platform for major fights at welterweight. “Let this eye heal up, go back to the drawing board and keep ticking over, getting better, working on everything. The welterweight division is the glamour division, I just earned my seat at the table with this chip, life is about testing yourself, I want everyone.”

Asked whether he wanted anyone specific, Paro replied, “Anyone, we’ve got the pulling power, come Down Under, I’ve got my piece of the puzzle, so come and get it. Still feels surreal [to win another world championship], going to let the body heal and let it sink in.”

The IBF title now moves Paro to the top of an entertaining Welterweight division. Paro’s next step will depend on how quickly he recovers and how his team position him with the new belt. Crocker, while valiant in defeat, will look to regroup after losing his title in his first defence.