Crocker vs Paro: One Day Out And I'm Backing The Croc

Right Then, We're Nearly There

Right then, the wait is almost over. Lewis Crocker makes the first defence of his IBF welterweight title against former world champion Liam Paro tomorrow, Wednesday June 24, at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, live on DAZN. Belfast's Crocker is doing it the hard way — on the road, in Paro's backyard, with an Australian crowd desperate to see their man take the belt home. Fight week has been tense, and that's exactly how a world-title week should feel. Paro's played the mind games, Crocker's stayed quiet, and now there's nothing left to say. We box.

Paro At Home

Paro is a slick, busy southpaw who's been a world champion before, and he knows exactly what this level demands. Home advantage is a serious weapon — the crowd, the comfort, the routine. This is a man who once slept in his car with no plan B, so the mental side holds no fear for him. He'll be feinting and moving all night, trying to make Crocker miss and pay.

Crocker's Edge

Crocker's biggest asset is his power. He's a proper welterweight puncher with a spiteful right hand, and if he lands it flush this could end in a hurry. He's stayed ice-cold all week, even refusing the face-off at the presser — no theatrics, just a quiet confidence. That tells me he knows exactly what he's walking into.

The Prediction

This is a genuine 50-50 and the home crowd makes it feel like Paro's to lose. But I'm sticking with Crocker. I think his timing and power travel better than people credit, and I reckon he lands the heavier shots through the middle rounds. Paro will have his spells — he always does — but I fancy Crocker to grind out a narrow decision or catch him late. Crocker by close decision, and he announces himself as a proper world champion on the road. If you know, you know — this is the sort of night careers are built on.