Liam Paro Beats Lewis Crocker via Decision to Win IBF Welterweight Title

Liam Paro solidified his status as an Australian boxing legend on Wednesday night, surviving a ferocious late onslaught from Lewis Crocker to claim the IBF welterweight world title.Fighting before a passionate, sold-out crowd at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, Paro relied on his elite southpaw ring IQ and sharp footwork to dominate the opening half of the bout. He repeatedly beat the heavier-hitting champion to the punch, building a critical lead on the cards.However, Crocker showed exactly why he was the champion, staging a dramatic rally in the championship rounds. The Belfast fighter relentlessly pressured Paro, rocking him in the eleventh and unleashing a bloody barrage in the twelfth that opened a severe cut over the Australian’s left eye.Busted and bruised, Paro showed incredible heart to hear the final bell. All three judges scored the grueling contest 115-113, awarding Paro a unanimous decision victory. With the monumental win, Paro hands Crocker his first career defeat and becomes only the second Australian-born fighter after Jeff Fenech to secure world titles in multiple weight classes.(Photo Credit: No Limit Boxing Facebook)

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