Liam Paro has created a bloody and bruising piece of history, winning the IBF welterweight world title with a stunning unanimous decision victory over Lewis Crocker in Brisbane.
Paro ended the bout with severe swelling under his right eye and blood gushing from a cut on his left eye.
The Queensland hero joins Jeff Fenech as the only Australian men to win world titles in two different weight classes after claiming the win with scores of 115-113 on all three cards.
In a performance that will go down in history as one of the gutsiest efforts in a world title challenge in Australian boxing – and a contender for fight of the year – Paro battled through serious adversity to grind out the victory.
“This means everything, it’s a long hard road,” Paro said. “I’ve climbed the mountain before and been knocked off. I’m speechless.
“I had to dig deep, Lewis is a hell of a champion. I respect him a lot.
“It’s a long f***in’ road. So many people told me I couldn’t do it. What now??!”
Crocker was devastated, but gracious in defeat after staging a valiant late comeback.
“I just want to congratulate Liam and a great fight,” he said. “You’re a true champion, what a fight.
“It was a great fight, respect to Liam, he’s tough.”
Paro can line up fights against some of the biggest names in boxing, and he wants to fight them in his own backyard.
“I want to bring the big fights back to Australia,” he said. “F**k travelling, we’re bringing them Down Under.”