Lewis Crocker vs Liam Paro: Belfast boxer to defend IBF title in Brisbane in June

Belfast’s Lewis Crocker will defend his IBF world welterweight title against Australian Liam Paro in Brisbane on June 24.

The contest will be held at the Pat Rafter Arena, with the date and venue confirmed on Wednesday.

Crocker hopes a win over Paro will help pave the way for a unification with another belt holder in the division.

The 29-year-old won the title with a split decision verdict against Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park in Belfast in September and his team hopes to stage a defense against mandatory rivals Paro in his hometown.

However, with no agreement between the two sides, the matter was resolved with a purse bid exceeding $27,000 (£20,000) to No Limit Crocker’s promoter Matchroom.

Crocker’s manager Jamie Conlan revealed in February that Belfast were fighters Recovering from a hand injury.

Paro is targeting a second world title in 2024 by upsetting Subriel Matias to win the IBF super lightweight crown.

The Australian defeated France’s David Papot at the same venue in Brisbane last September.