Boxing
Crocker sets date for Paro title defence after rough injury delay
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Lewis Crocker's long-awaited IBF welterweight title bout Liam Paro has been confirmed to take place in Brisbane on June 24.
'The Croc' will make his first defence against the Australian in the latter's home state of Queensland at the Pat Rafter Arena.
Crocker, who won the vacant IBF strap at Belfast's Windsor Park last September, was originally set for Paro in March or April.
A hand ligament injury sustained in camp shelved plans until now however, with the star facing a six-week training camp crunch.
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"It's great to be back and defending my world title for the first time," Crocker said. "I'm looking forward to going to Australia.
"Beating a former world champion in his own backyard [...] will be another step in putting my name in the history books."
News of the pair's bout comes ahead of Crocker's former rival Paddy Donovan making his own return to the ring this month.
'The Real Deal' meets Karen Chukhadzhian in an IBF final eliminator, teeing up a potential trilogy bout should he get the win.
Any such fight would require Crocker to come through former IBF light-welterweight champion Paro in his back yard however.
The star secured a home world title shot after promoter No Limit Boxing edged Matchroom Boxing in purse bids earlier this year.
Crocker-Paro ends long wait for action
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
No sooner has Paddy Donovan rubber-stamped his return on DAZN this week, Lewis Crocker officially books his return too.
The IBF welterweight champion will head to Queensland looking to retain his strap against one of his most dangerous foes yet.
It has been a long road to this point, the better part of a year on from that historic night with Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park.
But if Crocker can get the job done on the road down under, perhaps his rival will hold up his end of the trilogy fight bargain.
Certainly, few would complain about a third dance between the pair - but Paro will be determined to play spoiler in the mix.
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