Crocker Eyes Unification After Paro Defense in Australia

IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker is setting his sights on division unification following his upcoming mandatory title defense against Australian challenger Liam Paro, scheduled for May in Townsville, Queensland.

The 29-year-old Belfast boxer expressed confidence that a successful defense against the former IBF super-lightweight champion would position him perfectly for the biggest fights available in boxing's most talent-rich division.

"The biggest fight possible. Unification, which is something I feel I deserve if I get through Paro," Crocker told BBC Sport NI when discussing his future plans. The champion emphasized the depth of talent currently holding world titles, creating multiple attractive options for potential mega-fights.

The welterweight landscape offers compelling matchmaking possibilities with WBC champion Ryan Garcia, WBO holder Devin Haney, and WBA champion Rolando Romero all holding belts. Additionally, former two-division champion Conor Benn lurks as the WBC's number one contender, adding another marquee name to potential future opponents.

"You look at the names in the division as well, everything's massive," Crocker observed. "Any of the big boys because it will be easy to make. We all want a unification in the division, we all want to become undisputed."

Crocker captured the IBF title in September with a hard-fought split decision victory over Paddy Donovan at Belfast's iconic Windsor Park stadium. The champion had initially hoped to make his first defense on home soil, but purse bid proceedings awarded promotional rights to No Limit, who outbid Matchroom by $27,000 to secure the fight for Australia.

Despite the change of venue, Crocker embraces the challenge of defending his crown on foreign soil against a quality opponent. "There are worse places to fight than Australia. Going abroad and defending the title against an ex-world champion is going to be something special," he stated.

Paro brings legitimate championship pedigree to the contest, having previously held the IBF super-lightweight title and scored a notable victory over undefeated contender Subriel Matias, who entered their bout with a perfect 24-0 record.

"He beat the undefeated Matias, who was like 24-0, so he was obviously a legit world champion. It'll be a tough test, but one I'm ready for," Crocker acknowledged, showing respect for his opponent's accomplishments while maintaining confidence in his preparation.

The champion plans meticulous preparation for the Australian conditions, intending to arrive four weeks before the fight to properly acclimatize. "We'll look to go four weeks prior and get settled in properly, train over there, get accustomed to the time zone and the heat," Crocker explained.

Looking beyond the Paro defense, Crocker remains open to fighting anywhere that offers the biggest opportunities. While he expressed desire to return to Windsor Park where he's fought twice before, the allure of American venues holds special appeal.

"I've fought at Windsor Park twice and I'd love to fight at Windsor Park again, that's home for me, but if the opportunity's there to go to America and that's the only option I'll go to America," he said.

The prospect of fighting in legendary American venues clearly excites the champion. "As a kid you want to go to Vegas and Madison Square Garden and stuff, wherever the biggest fight is at that's fine with me."

With preparations progressing smoothly for the Paro defense, Crocker appears positioned to capitalize on the welterweight division's current depth and create the biggest fights possible in professional boxing.