Make FightsATW Your Preferred Combat Sports Source
Enjoy our boxing and wrestling coverage? Add Fights Around The World as a Preferred Source on Google so our latest stories can show up more often in your Top Stories.
Add FightsATW on GoogleIBF welterweight titleholder Lewis Crocker will look to make his first title defense against Liam Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena, Tennyson, Australia.
The bout, largely ignored by fight fans in the United States, could have major implications down the road for some of the sport’s biggest names.
Let’s explore the storylines that are at play.
Is Lewis Crocker A Real Guy?
Crocker has been overlooked. It is often the case for British champions with little U.S. exposure but rallying back from a disqualification win over Paddy Donovan (which, in my opinion, should have been ruled a knockout loss) showed some merit. First, he should have the ability to adjust and a desire to improve.
Paro is a winnable fight; it solidifies his standing in the division and helps him lay claim to future fights against Keyshawn Davis, Teofimo Lopez, and Devin Haney. If Crocker wants to land a fight with a big-name fighter, this is his chance to win on foreign soil and carry that momentum forward.
Is Paro A Welterweight?Â
Against David Papot, Paro didn’t look great. Sure, Papot is world-class, but at one time Paro was considered one of the best junior welterweights in the world. Now he is contending at welterweight, mostly because of a shallow division and strong promotional backing that helped him reach this position.
Paro fought twice last year. He stopped Jonathan Navarro, who hasn’t looked the same since returning to boxing, and Papot’s fight was cause for concern. Paro has reached bigger heights and will look to become a two-division titleholder, but this isn’t a given, as fighters sometimes decline rapidly, and it is unclear whether that is what is happening.
The Division Isn’t Great, Right?Â
Welterweight was the glamour division when Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao reached pay-per-view heights. Right now, Haney and Davis appear to be the best fighters in the division, which lacks depth. The winner of this fight is in a better position than most fight fans will acknowledge.
What Does The Eye Test Say?
To me, Paro is declining and hasn’t looked right at welterweight, while Crocker is coming off a career-best performance.
Crocker is coming off the biggest win of his career, though he has looked worse at times.
This is a fight about what both fighters have left, as much as the skill they bring to the table.
What Do The Odds Say?
The odds are dead even. Paro is fighting in Australia, which, if nothing else, offers comfort and fan support. Paro has also had better career achievements, including beating Subriel Matias.
That said, Paro hasn’t looked the same since a 2024 loss to Richardson Hitchins. As noted above, Crocker looked as good as he ever has against Paddy Donovan to win the belt.
Discover more from Fights Around The World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
