Liam Paro wins IBF welterweight title from Lewis Crocker

Australian boxer Liam Paro captured the IBF welterweight world title with a narrow unanimous decision victory over defending champion Lewis Crocker of Belfast in a grueling 12-round contest at Brisbane's Pat Rafter Arena. All three judges scored the fight 115-113 for Paro, who becomes a two-division world champion.

The fight unfolded as a classic clash of styles, with the aggressive, power-punching Crocker pressing forward against the busier, more technical Paro. The Australian challenger established control early, using his superior work rate and movement to bank several of the opening rounds. Crocker, who was making the first defense of the title he won last September, struggled to find his rhythm in the first half of the fight.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the middle rounds as Crocker began to impose his physicality and power. He rocked Paro with heavy shots, notably a left hook in the eighth round that caused swelling under the Australian's eye. As the fight entered the championship rounds, Crocker intensified his assault, chasing a bloodied Paro around the ring and landing punishing blows that left the challenger reeling and clinging on desperately.