Australian boxer Liam Paro is positioning himself for a high-profile bout with Manny Pacquiao following his upcoming IBF welterweight title challenge against Lewis Crocker on Wednesday night at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena. A victory would see Paro become the first Australian in nearly four decades to claim world championships in two different weight classes.
Paro, who holds a professional record of 27 wins and one loss, is currently the IBF super lightweight champion. He is set to face Crocker, an undefeated contender from Belfast with a 22-0 record, in what promises to be a significant match in the welterweight division. Crocker is regarded as a formidable opponent with notable knockout power and is favored to win, despite downplaying his status ahead of the fight.
Promoted by No Limit Boxing, Paro’s management has revealed ambitions for the Australian to take on some of the sport’s top welterweights in the near future. No Limit’s George Rose confirmed that Pacquiao, Ryan Garcia, and Rolly Romero are among the potential opponents identified for Paro should he succeed against Crocker. Rose emphasized the significance of a possible matchup with Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion and one of boxing’s most iconic figures.
“Manny is the one fight we want to make for Liam,” Rose said, highlighting the excitement that would surround Pacquiao’s return to Australia. Rose also referenced the 2017 victory by Jeff Horn over Pacquiao at Suncorp Stadium as a landmark moment in Australian boxing history, suggesting that a Paro-Pacquiao fight could generate similar enthusiasm.
Paro himself regards Pacquiao as a major inspiration, having served as the main southpaw sparring partner for Jeff Horn during preparations for Horn’s upset win over Pacquiao. “Manny Pacquiao was my favourite fighter growing up,” Paro said. “The opportunity is there, but first I have to take care of business against Lewis Crocker.” Beyond Pacquiao, Paro has expressed a desire to share the ring with other high-profile fighters such as Garcia and Romero.
Ahead of any potential megafight, Paro faces a difficult challenge in Crocker, who has built a reputation as a powerful and consistent competitor. Paro remains confident in his mental resilience and experience, pointing to his unexpected world title win in Puerto Rico against Subriel Matias as evidence of his championship mindset.
“He hasn’t got my mental toughness,” Paro said of Crocker. “He may have the belt, but I have the championship mindset. I went into the lion’s den in Puerto Rico telling myself I was the man and look what happened – I won a world title. He is on the world-class stage now. I have climbed the top of the mountain before and I’m ready to do it a second time.”
The bout on Wednesday night will be a pivotal moment in the careers of both fighters, potentially setting the stage for Paro to enter the welterweight elite and pursue a marquee fight with Pacquiao or other leading champions.