Liam Paro became just the second Australian-born male, after the legendary Jeff Fenech, to claim world titles in multiple weight divisions when he defeated Lewis Crocker over 12 rounds in Brisbane.
The Aussie southpaw collected the IBF welterweight title, having previously held the same belt at super lightweight, in his home state, getting the nod on all three judges’ cards (115-113).
In what was an incredibly close fight, Paro started the busier of the pair, firing off sharp counter combinations to bank early rounds and ultimately set up the victory.
Northern Ireland’s Crocker had been on the front foot for most of the fight but only began to find real success through the later rounds, including an onslaught over the final minutes which had the crowd at Pat Rafter Arena nervous prior to the cards being read out.
In the chief support, Nelson Asofa-Solomona moved to 3-0 as a professional, stopping a game George Burgess in the third round.
Burgess took some big shots in the opening stages but gave back enough to make things difficult for NAS at times.
Asofa-Solomona’s offence eventually saw the Englishman’s corner throw in the towel mid-way through the third.
Earlier on the undercard, Demsey McKean scored a fourth-round TKO victory over Liam Talivaa following a heavyweight slugfest which had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Local cruiserweight Luke Modini moved to 14-0 with a round three stoppage of China’s Peng Qu, while Stevan Ivic made light work of Caleb Tialu, also recording a third-round TKO.
Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro full fight card and results
- Liam Paro def. Lewis Crocker via UD12 for the IBF welterweight title (115-113 x3)
- Nelson Asofa-Solomana def. George Burgess via TKO3 – Heavyweight
- Demsey McKean def. Liam Talivaa via TKO4 – Heavyweight
- Luke Modini def. Peng Qu via TKO3 – Cruiserweight
- Stevan Ivic def. Caleb Tialu via TKO3 – Heavyweight
- Jack Javed def. Lance McDonald via TKO3 – Super welterweight
- Vegas Larfield def. Shamal Ram Anuj via TKO4 – Featherweight
- Riley Candy def. Brayden Rawlins via TKO1 – Super middleweight
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