Crocker to defend against Paro in Brisbane in June

Belfast’s Lewis Crocker will defend his IBF world welterweight title against Australian Liam Paro in Brisbane on 24 June.

The contest will take place at the Pat Rafter Arena, with the date and venue having been confirmed on Wednesday.

Crocker hopes that a victory over Paro would help open the door to a unification bout with another belt-holder in the division.

The 29-year-old won the title with a split decision verdict over Paddy Donovan at Belfast’s Windsor Park in September and his team had hoped to stage the defence against mandatory challenger Paro in his home city.

However, with no agreement reached between the parties, the matter was resolved by a purse bid with No Limit outbidding Crocker’s promoter Matchroom by $27,000 (£20,000).

Crocker’s manager Jamie Conlan revealed in February that the Belfast fighter was recovering from a hand injury.

Paro is aiming to become a world champion for the second time, having upset Subriel Matias to clinch the IBF super lightweight crown in 2024.

The Australian beat Frenchman David Papot at the same Brisbane venue last September.