Liam Paro is “confident” of a future victory over Lewis Crocker after edging closer to challenging for the IBF welterweight title with Thursday’s defeat of David Papot.
The Australian – the IBF champion at junior welterweight until recording his only defeat, against Richardson Hitchins in December 2024 – marked his move to welterweight by outpointing France’s Papot at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane in an eliminator for Crocker’s title, and intends on remaining active regardless of whether it is Crocker he fights next.
That he sustained an eye injury means that he is not expected to return to the ring before 2026 – and in what might yet be a final eliminator in the pursuit of the 28-year-old Crocker – but it is the Northern Irishman who is in Paro’s sights, and who he increasingly respects after the unexpected victory over Paddy Donovan that earned Crocker the-then vacant title.
“I’ve got to give Crocker respect,” Paro, 29, told BoxingScene. “He changed the game plan; I think he surprised Donovan; the early knockdowns I think rattled his confidence.
“It was very close – Donovan did alright, but the game plan, the change up, of Crocker was what had him surprised, I think. The first [fight] was very dominant in Donovan’s favour, so you’ve got to respect Crocker and his team for coming up with that and executing it and catching him and putting him on the canvas numerous times.
“It was a good fight, but I’m confident I could have beaten both guys and I’m confident I can get Crocker when my opportunity arises. I’ve just got to keep winning.”
