'Humbling!' - Liam Paro grateful for Australia world title opportunity as Lewis Crocker heads down under

The former IBF light-welterweight champion was originally due to face Paddy Donovan in a final eliminator for the welterweight strap last month.

The Irishman pulled out of the bout however, clearing the path for Paro to secure a direct shot at holder Crocker and two-weight champion status.

Many expected the Belfast star would make his first defence on home soil, only for promoters Matchroom to lose the purse bid to No Limit Boxing.

The Ring

It means Paro will get the chance to battle for the belt in Australia, with the star admitting that it represents a massive opportunity to deliver glory.

"My dream is to be a household name and the belief means a lot," he was quoted by The Ring. "I'm ready to take the opportunity with both hands

"I woke up at 6.30am to millions of phone calls [about the news]. It's a surreal pinch-yourself moment but I'm ready to get it. It's truly humbling."

Paro previously aired his frustration with Donovan, who lost to Crocker in September when they met at Windsor Park for the then-vacant belt.

The Limerick man was disqualified in his first bout with the Northern Irishman last year, and had been tipped to secure revenge the second time.

His decision to pull out against Paro, citing illness, irritated the latter, but he stresses he does not expect to have the same issue this time around.

"Crocker is the champion for a reason and has a bit more to lose," he added on any no-show potential. "I think he'll be here. We didn't slow down

"[You have] to roll with the punches. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions but I'm staying with my head down in the gym, ready to become a two-time champion."

Crocker faces new hurdle in defence bid

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

It's been a funny few months for Lewis Crocker since he edged Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park, in an engaging contest that could have gone either way.

Repeated call-outs to Conor Benn were rebuffed, and while other welterweight champions have namechecked him, the Belfast man has flown under the radar.

Powerbrokers surely would have loved a trilogy fight with Donovan, and had the Limerick fighter defeated Liam Paro in January, it may well have come to pass.

Instead, his exit from that bout has sparked a domino chain that now means a likely trip to Queensland, either in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast, for his first defence.

It is far from ideal for a man who surely would have loved to make it a boisterous hometown affair. Crocker will be determined to ensure he heads home with the belt to get that.

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