Crocker to Defend IBF Welterweight Title vs Paro in Brisbane

Lewis Crocker will defend his IBF welterweight world title against top-ranked challenger Liam Paro on June 24 at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, Australia, promoters No Limit Boxing announced this week.

The matchup marks Crocker's first defense of the 147-pound belt he won in a controversial decision over Paddy Donovan last September at Windsor Park in Belfast. The Irish fighter, who improved to 22-0 with 11 knockouts that night, had been lined up for an optional defense against England's Conah Walker. Matchroom Boxing sought an exception from the IBF, but the sanctioning body rejected the request and mandated Crocker face Paro, the organization's number-one contender.

Paro earned his shot after Donovan, the IBF's second-ranked fighter, withdrew from a scheduled eliminator bout due to a respiratory illness. The Australian from Queensland, now 27-1 with 16 knockouts, previously captured the IBF super lightweight title with a decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before losing it to Richardson Hitchins. The welterweight clash was originally planned earlier this year but delayed by an injury to Crocker.

Crocker, 29, twice defeated Donovan last year, including a...