Lewis Crocker captured the IBF welterweight crown in September at Windsor Park, Belfast, then faced months of speculation about a big‑name defence. Instead, the 29‑year‑old travelled to Brisbane to meet mandatory challenger Liam Paro. After Paddy Donovan withdrew, the former light‑welterweight champion became the obligate opponent, and Australian promoter No Limit won the purse bid by $27,000 over Matchroom, securing the bout on home soil. Wednesday.

Paro, 30, claimed his first world title in the light‑welterweight division by upsetting Subriel Matias in June, then lost a decision to Richardson Hitchens six months later. A southpaw with speed and feints, he seeks a second belt on Queensland turf and hopes to join Jeff Fenech as only the second Australian multi‑weight champion, and prove his worth against a larger opponent.

Crocker, unbeaten in 22 bouts with 11 knockouts, plans to use his southpaw experience from two fights with Donovan to press the action and avoid the judges. He acknowledges Paro’s championship pedigree and knows a win would unlock lucrative match‑ups against division stars. Crocker must outbox Paro to keep the IBF belt in front of an eager crowd.