As Lewis Crocker realised a lifetime dream by winning the IBF welterweight title at Windsor Park in his native Belfast last September, predictably, the questions as to what is next quickly followed.
Marquee names such as Conor Benn and Devin Haney were rumoured for a lucrative first defence, while a domestic rematch with Conah Walker was also touted, but instead of home comforts, the 29-year-old finds himself in Brisbane, Australia to face mandatory contender and local favourite Liam Paro on Wednesday.
With Paddy Donovan – whom Crocker had edged in their rematch to claim the title last year to improve to 22 wins from as many contests – withdrawing from a final eliminator against Paro [27-1] in January, the former IBF light-welterweight champion was elevated to mandatory challenger.
Australian promoter No Limit would win the purse bid, edging out Crocker’s promoter Matchroom by $27,000 (£20,000), handing Paro the opportunity to win a world title in his native Queensland.
Roles are somewhat reversed this time, as Paro won his first world title in the 10st division by upsetting the odds in June 2024 against Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matias in enemy territory, before returning to the island to be out-pointed by USA’s Richardson Hitchens six months later.
This time, it’s Crocker, 29, who makes the long trip for his maiden defence with Paro enjoying the home support at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Centre, but the Belfast man has adopted a philosophical view.
Despite having won 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 put the pressure on the challenger who appears almost confused by this approach.
“Paro is the odds-on favourite here and everyone is coming to see him,” Crocker said.
“I went through that the last time, so it takes a bit of ease off my mind and I’m prepared.”
