Lewis Crocker, IBF welterweight champion, has looked at the odds and he knows he’s not the favorite to successfully make the first defense of his title.

The Irishman is in Australia where, on Wednesday, he boxes Liam Paro in an intriguing fight at Pat Rafter Arena in Tennyson, Queensland.

Crocker won the vacant belt in an all-Irish clash with Paddy Donovan in Windsor Park, Belfast, last September, and Paro’s promoter, No Limit, won the purse bids so Crocker’s first fight as the champion heads Down Under.

Crocker has been in Australia for two weeks, putting the final touches on his preparations.

“Liam Paro’s a great fighter,” Crocker said. “I remember when he first came on my radar was when he won the world title at light-welter, because I just remember seeing the build-up and I was actually rooting for him because he was such a big underdog and that guy [Subriel Matias] had like, all those fights with knockouts, but I never, never looked on him as [someone] I’m going to be fighting him and stuff. Liam’s a great operator and he’ll not want to let his fans down. I’m expecting a tough test.
Southpaw Paro has been dubbed “The Croc Hunter” in the build-up, a nod to both his Aussie heritage and Crocker’s nickname “The Croc.”

But the 29-year-old champion has heard it all before.

“I’ve been 10 years a pro now, [Paro] would be about the sixth or seventh person to be called a ‘Croc Hunter’ during my career,” he sighed. “It is what it is. It’s funny because it’s Australia as well; whatever builds a fight.”

It is a bout that Crocker knows will not be easy.

He has plenty of respect for the challenger in what represents his first fight under new trainer “H,” Huzaifah Iqbal having split from Scottish coach Billy Nelson after winning the title.  

“I just felt there was certain stuff that maybe I could be better at, and the way I’m right now, it’s obviously all worked out,” Crocker, 22-0 (11 KOs), said. “I’m looking forward to showing my new and improved self. I know much more people from the new gym, as well. Kieran Molloy, who, when we were junior and youths, we used to share a room for Ireland, like, representing and stuff. I live with him now, so a lot more familiar faces will be in the gym, and obviously, Josh Kelly’s in the gym, Harlem Eubank, Kurt Walker and stuff. So, all the boys are training together, so it’s good. 

“My setup in Scotland was great, as well. I just thought maybe it was too comfortable at stage and stuff, and I really pushed myself this camp, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Crocker said that “H” has “been on the ball.” He chronicles Crocker’s training metrics closely and adapts sessions accordingly.

Crocker’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said he’s hoping Crocker performs a “smash and grab” in Australia and returns with the belt.

“Liam’s a great fighter, an all-around great fighter, so ideally that would be the way to do it,” said Crocker. “But we’re prepared for every situation and we’ve worked hard over camp and I’ll put on the best performance of my career.”