Kevin Byrne

Lewis Crocker surrendered his IBF world welterweight title after a gruelling battle with Liam Paro in Brisbane.

Having won the belt in his closely contested rematch with Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park last September, the Croc was handed a stern first defence: a trip Down Under to face the home favourite.

And he very nearly pulled it off, coming on strong in the late rounds and showing much of his feted power as he hurt Paro down the stretch and came close to getting him out of there in a desperate final round.

We discuss the bout, and what’s next for both fighters, on today’s show.

Renowned Australian journalist Grantlee Kieza joins us to give his view of the contest, as well as to discuss his time in the corner of his country’s boxing GOAT, Jeff Fenech, and his long association with heavyweight Joe Bugner.

Lewis’ sister, Alanna Nihell, also comes on to tell us why her younger brother won’t be too downhearted in defeat and why he’s still got the world at his feet.

Alanna also tells us why she’ll be front and centre at Croke Park on September 5 for her old friend’s last dance, 25 years after facing Katie Taylor in the IABA’s first sanctioned female bout at the National Stadium.

Finally, the voice of boxing in Belfast, David Mohan of BBC Sport NI, gives us his analysis of the Crocker-Paro war.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/26Y4ZrAfGhd5tWtYg4H828

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-croc-hunter/id1509497532?i=1000774075615

https://shows.acast.com/therockyroad/episodes/the-croc-hunter

The home hero took the belt by unanimous decision after 12 gruelling rounds

Lewis Crocker came on so strong at the finish there and very nearly got the job done. Liam Paro will be a relieved man. Lovely boxing from him for the most part but threatened to fall apart right at the end. Great fight

Looking like it's going EARLIER - 12.20 now and it's next

World title fight - 1pm on DAZN

Lewis Crocker and Liam Paro both weigh in just under the 147 pound limit for tomorrow’s IBF Welterweight title fight in Brisbane, Australia 🥊

📸 aus-boxing.com