The IBF have ordered Lewis Crocker to defend his world title in opposition to Liam Paro subsequent and formally denied a request to make a voluntary defence.
The sanctioning physique issued a letter on Thursday rejecting a proposal that will have allowed Crocker to defend his newly gained IBF 147lb title in opposition to former foe Conah Walker.
Relatively than granting flexibility for an elective bout, the IBF has moved to implement necessary obligations.
Consequently, Crocker has now been instructed to enter negotiations for a obligatory defence in opposition to Australian contender Paro, with the clock anticipated to start on talks imminently.
The IBF had beforehand ordered Brian Peters-managed Paro to commerce leather-based with Paddy Donovan in a closing eliminator. The pair had been meant to fulfill down underneath on January 16 for the precise to problem for the purple belt.
14 September 2025
Image By David Cavan Matchroom Boxing
Lewis Crocker backstage after profitable his battle with Jamie Conlan
With necessary standing nonetheless up for grabs at the moment, Matchroom and Workforce Crocker started making voluntary defence plans. Quite a lot of names had been within the body however Walker, who ‘The Croc’ beforehand shared the ring with, gained the race and was set to problem for the strap someday this spring.
Nevertheless, it seems that the Andy Lee educated Limerick man’s withdrawal from the Paro bout, by means of sickness, from the eliminator has had a domino impact that impressed a large change of plans.
Paro will now go straight right into a world title battle and until he agrees to step apart phrases, he shall be Crocker’s first defence.
Paro represents a major problem. The Queensland boxer is a former world champion at gentle welterweight and is a gifted operator. Though there shall be some who will argue he isn’t any extra of a menace that Walker, and as such the information wont’ upset the massive punching and laid again Belfast man.
Dublin’s Darragh Foley had made himself to battle Paro in Brisbane on January 16, however with one other world title battle firmly in his sights the Aussie might elect in opposition to taking an dangers.
