'Historic moment': Liam Paro to fight for IBF world title on Australian soil

Liam Paro will fight for a world title on home soil for the first time in a huge coup for the Australian boxer and promoters No Limit.

As the mandatory challenger to IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker, Paro's promoters won the purse bid and the bout will now take place in Australia.

It's good news for the Australian after he was forced to defend his IBF crown In Puerto Rico in 2024 under Eddie Hearn's Matchroom, in an eventual loss to American star Richardson Hitchins.

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He claimed the title in Puerto Rico in a boilover over Subriel Matias and was required to defend it in the country, with his promoters choosing not to stage the fight in Australia.

The fight against Crocker gives Paro the chance to become only the second Aussie-born male fighter to win world titles in multiple divisions, following the legendary Jeff Fenech.

"This is everything I've wanted," Paro said.

"I never got the chance as a world champion to defend a title on home soil, so to now fight for another world title in Australia is something special."

"No Limit Boxing went to work and delivered this. They backed me, they believed in me, and now we get to do this in front of Australian fans.

"I've already proven I can win a world title anywhere.

"Now it's time to make history at home, follow in the footsteps of a legend like Jeff Fenech, and become a two-time world champion."

Funnily enough, No Limit was up against Paro's former promoter in the purse bid and had Matchroom won the bid, then the bout would have taken place in Belfast on April 18.

Paro, 29, was set to fight Paddy Donovan in a final title eliminator in a Brisbane fight in January, but the Irish fighter pulled out with injury.

It's understood a voluntary defence of Crocker's title had been considered before the governing body decided that Paro should be the mandatory challenger.

"To outbid Matchroom and Eddie Hearn and bring this fight home is massive. Not just for Liam, but for the sport in this country," Rose said.

"This is what No Limit Boxing is built on. We promised Liam world-class opportunities when he signed with us less than 12 months ago, and now he's fighting for a second world title on Australian soil.

"There is no better feeling than making dreams come true, something I know will live with Liam forever. Now the hard work starts to put on a spectacular show.

"It's a historic moment and we're proud to be delivering it."