Crocker-Parrow: History and legacy in the IBF welterweight title showdown

As Lewis Crocker realized a lifelong dream by winning the IBF welterweight title at Windsor Park in his native Belfast last September, predictably, questions quickly followed about what would happen next.

Marquee names such as Conor Benn and Devin Haney have been rumored for a lucrative first defence, while a home game with Conah Walker has also been mooted, but instead of home advantage, the 29-year-old will face mandatory challenger and local favorite Liam Paro on Wednesday in Brisbane, Australia.

With Paddy Donovan – whom Crocker loaned out in their rematch to claim the title last year to improve to 22 wins from as many contests – withdrawing from the final eliminator against Paro (27-1) in January, the former IBF light-welterweight champion was promoted to mandatory challenger.

Australian promoter No limit purse bid will winCrocker’s promoters shelled out Matchroom for $27,000 (£20,000) to give Paro the chance to win a world title in his native Queensland.

The roles were somewhat reversed this time, as Paro upset the odds against Subriel Matias of Puerto Rico in hostile territory to win his first world title in the 10th division in June 2024, before being pipped back to the island six months later by Richardson Hitchens of the United States.

This time, it’s Crocker, 29, who makes the long trip to his first defense with Paro enjoying home support at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Centre, but the Belfast man has taken a philosophical approach.

Despite winning the first fight against Donovan by disqualification, he entered the ring at Windsor Park as an underdog – a role he is keen to play this week to pressure a rival who seems almost bewildered by the approach.

“Parow is the odds-on favorite here and everyone is coming to see him,” Crocker said.

“I went through it last time, so it takes some of my mind off it and I’m ready.”