Liam Paro is the new IBF welterweight champion after defeating Lewis Crocker by unanimous decision in Brisbane on Wednesday night.

All three judges scored the contest 115-113 in favour of the Australian, ending Crocker’s reign after a closely contested 12-round fight at Pat Rafter Arena.

Paro made a strong start, using his jab and left hand to pick off Crocker as the champion attempted to close the distance. 

The Australian enjoyed some of his best success in the opening half of the fight, landing clean counters and putting together combinations that helped him build an advantage on the scorecards.

Crocker stayed relentless throughout and found success whenever he was able to force exchanges at close range. 

The Northern Irishman landed several eye-catching shots and increased his output in the later rounds as he looked to retain his title.

The middle rounds were where things got a bit more intense. While Crocker continued to move forward, Paro often landed the cleaner punches and was able to score before moving out of range. 

A cut above Paro’s left eye created a difficult moment late in the fight, but he recovered well and finished the contest strongly enough to secure the decision.

The victory makes Paro a two-weight world champion, having previously held a world title at super lightweight before moving up to 147 pounds. 

It also gives Australian boxing another world champion on home soil after Paro’s team secured the fight for Brisbane through the purse-bid process.

Crocker suffered the first defeat of his professional career but pushed Paro all the way in a fight that remained competitive until the final bell. 

The champion’s late rally was not enough to overturn the deficit, with the judges unanimously favouring Paro’s work across the 12 rounds.

Paro now leaves Brisbane with the IBF welterweight title and several options in one of boxing’s deepest divisions, while Crocker’s legacy as one of the strongest active welterweight fighter remains intact, despite the loss.