Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Liam Paro vs Lewis Crocker will put Australian boxing history on the line next Wednesday at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, where Paro will challenge Crocker for the IBF welterweight world title.
The Mackay fighter can become a two-division world champion if he beats the unbeaten Northern Irishman, two years after his upset win over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico for the IBF super-lightweight belt.
For more boxing coverage, read Andrew Moloney Wins IBF Super Flyweight World Title In Japan. Fans can also follow official rankings and title details through the IBF website.
Paro warns Crocker over power claim
Crocker, who is 22-0 with 11 knockouts, has said he is the stronger puncher and believes he can end the fight early. Paro, who owns a 27-1 record with 16 stoppages, said the champion should not take his power lightly.
"At the world level everyone can punch in eight ounce gloves; we're pretty much wearing oven mitts in there," Paro said.
"So he'll be surprised ... it doesn't look like I whack hard until you get on the receiving end of it.
"Ask anyone that's been in (the ring with me) and they'll tell you.
"I'm here to prove him wrong."
Australian boxing history in reach
Jeff Fenech remains the only Australian man to win fully recognised world titles in two weight classes across boxing’s four major organisations. Fenech later won across four divisions, with his final title awarded retrospectively in 2022.
"It's crazy; 39 years since a male from Australia has won multiple division titles and we're a week away from making it a reality," Paro said.
"But until then it's just all talk."
Paro was joined outside Suncorp Stadium by Queensland State of Origin great Greg Inglis, founder of the Goanna Academy, an Indigenous-led mental health and resilience training program.
"It's unbelievable to work with a legend like Greg Inglis and anyone that knows me, knows mental health is something that's very close to home," he said.
Paro also spoke about close friend Regan Grieve, a promising rugby league player who died in 2015.
"It was the hardest period of my life. That was my best mate, we used to talk about everything," Paro said.
"It just shows how serious it is."