Hello and welcome to The Ring’s live blog commentary as Lewis Crocker travels overseas for the first time with a career-best test against Liam Paro forthcoming for his first IBF welterweight title defense.
As the possibility of stateside showdowns and big-name unifications beckon for the victor, “The Croc” knows he can’t afford to slip up on enemy turf with former 140-pound titleholder Paro eager to make history on home soil.
“I was a big underdog in my last fight and came through to win the world title. Big respect for Liam — he’s a phenomenal fighter — so we’re going to put on a great performance,” Crocker said in Monday’s press conference.
Originally slated to face Paddy Donovan (15-2, 11 KOs) on the Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa undercard in January, the Irishman’s illness prompted the IBF to order this mandated title defense instead. Rather than the possibility of an immediate Crocker-Donovan trilogy, the sport is richer for having another fresh matchup at championship level.
Both main event combatants weighed in the same, 146.9 pounds on Tuesday and will headline an eight-fight card at Brisbane’s 5,500-seater Pat Rafter Arena, most notably known for hosting tennis events during the Australian summer swing.