Liam Paro of Australia secured the IBF welterweight championship following a points victory against Belfast fighter Lewis Crocker. The bout took place this Wednesday at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane.
Previously the IBF light-welterweight titleholder, Paro has now achieved multi-weight world champion status. He joins Jeff Fenech as the only other Australian-born boxer to accomplish this feat. All three judges scored the taxing contest 115-113 in Paro’s favor.
In this matchup, 30-year-old Paro demonstrated significant technique and resolve to overcome Crocker. This loss marks the first defeat in 23 professional fights for the 29-year-old Crocker, who was attempting the first defense of the title he captured in Belfast last September. Paro now holds a career record of 28 wins and one loss. Although Paro appeared close to being stopped during the closing stages, he managed to stay on his feet, leaving Crocker to focus on his future recovery.
