Lewis Crocker To Defend IBF Welterweight Title
Against Liam Paro In Australia!
(February 4th) Belfast, Northern Ireland, undefeated IBF Welterweight World Champion, Lewis “The Croc” Crocker will defend his title against Brisbane, Australia mandatory challenger Liam Paro. Rejecting a Matchroom Boxing request for a Crocker voluntary defense against Conah Walker, enforcing the immediate mandatory fight against Paro the IBF sends the No Limit Boxing Promotion “down under” to Australia, likely Brisbane or Gold Coast.
Recently split from trainer Billy Nelson, in his first fight under new coach Huzaifah Iqbal, the 29-year-old, Crocker, 22-0, 11Ko’s, captured the vacant IBF Welterweight belt last September via split decision over fellow Irishman, Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan at Windsor Park, marking his first world title in a thrilling hometown victory. The IBF ordered this mandatory defense after rejecting Crocker's request for a voluntary bout, with the fight required within 90 days of the February 2 purse bid, won by No Limit Boxing's winning purse bid of $1,152,000 over Matchroom Boxing's $1,125,000.
Also 29, Paro, 27-1, 16Ko’s, a southpaw, claiming the IBF World Super Lightweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision win over Subriel Matias June, 2024 would lose his tilt in his first defense
a twelve round split decision loss to Richardson Hitchins, December 2024. Rebounding with a fifth round RTD of Jonathan Navarro June, 2025 and a twelve round points victory over David Papot this past September, Paro earned his shot as the top-ranked contender following Paddy Donovan pulling out of their January 16th IBF title Eliminator due to illness.
Venue, date, ticket and undercard information is expected to be announced soon.
No Limit Boxing stands as Australia's premier Aboriginal-owned boxing promotion, thriving under CEO George Rose's leadership since he joined as Managing Director in January 2015 and advanced to CEO in September 2020.
Founded as a vehicle to elevate Australian boxing, No Limit has transformed into the nation's dominant force, securing major broadcasting partnerships with Main Event and Kayo Sports. Under Rose's business acumen, the promotion expanded from grassroots events to massive spectacles, including the record-breaking Star of the Ring series, Fox Sports' highest-rated boxing telecast. This growth has mainstreamed the sport, drawing huge crowds and building a devoted fan base across the country.
No Limit champions top-tier Australian fighters, headlined by the Tszyu brothers—Tim and Nikita—alongside stars like Sam Goodman, Liam Wilson, Paul Gallen (formerly), and Olympians Harry Garside and Paulo Aokuso. Iconic events include the 2021 Tim Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa clash at the Tszyu Castle Entertainment Centre, showcasing the promotion's ability to deliver blockbuster matchups. These bouts highlight No Limit's role in nurturing homegrown talent and international partnerships.
No Limit actively promotes Indigenous fighters and causes, aligning with Rose's Gamilaroi heritage to foster community engagement and advocacy, such as support for the Voice to Parliament referendum. The company extends its influence through the No Limit Boxing Podcast, offering insider discussions on fight strategies and news. Rose's promotional flair ensures No Limit remains a media powerhouse, consistently shaping Australian sports discourse.