Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro press conference quotes and fight prediction

Lewis Crocker (22-0, 11 KOs) will soon defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro (27-1, 16 KOs).

Their bout headlines a No Limit Boxing card at the Pat Rafter Arena in Tennyson, Australia. Fight fans in Australia can catch the action live as a pay-per-view (PPV) through Main Event and Kayo Sports.

Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their June 24 contest. Below is some of what they had to say.

Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro press conference quotes

Lewis Crocker

“It’s just a fact of the matter,” said Crocker about him being the underdog. “If you ask 99 people here, 98 people are going to say Paro’s going to be the successor here. Going abroad and stuff, making a big deal of the travelling and stuff. We got out here plenty of time early. The doubts, can I do it like he’s did it abroad. Learning about the odds, he is the favourite to win the fight. That’s where that comes from. Obviously, me and the team are confident. That’s where the underdog thing came from because I am the underdog to the general public in this fight, but that’s not the way me and my team see it.”

“Yeah, for sure [I like to be the underdog]. I was a big underdog in my last fight and I came through to win the world title in my city. It’s exciting. Big respect for Liam [Paro]. Phenomenal fighter. No doubt we’re going to put on a great performance.”

Liam Paro

“It’s massive,” said Paro of the opportunity to face a reigning world champion in Australia. “I can’t thank the Rose boys [his promoters] and No Limit [his promotional company] enough for getting it over the line. This is what dreams are made of. It really is. Fighting in front of my people, making history. What better way to do it than against an undefeated world champion? I’ve taken 0’s previously and I’m looking to do it again. I’m really keen for this one. It’s going to be a war.”

“I’m in routine here. I live here. Like I said before, I eat, sleep, shit here. This is it. It’s another day in the office for me. I’ve answered the questions of travelling abroad. I’ve prevailed over there. They’re questions you should ask Lewis [Crocker]. It’s up to him now. Is he going to travel well? You can say a million things, but time will tell Wednesday night.”

Fight prediction

From Big Fight Weekend’s Ricky Carroll: Crocker showed in the Paddy Donovan rematch his underrated IQ, executing the plan from trainer Billy Nelson impressively. He’s a talented counterpuncher who punishes his opponents when they fall short. Crocker showed plenty of power early in his career and showed against Donovan that it remains.

Paro possesses a highly effective jab, which often helps him control the distance and tempo in his fights, as does his excellent footwork. He looks to apply the pressure in his fights, and this will be no different against Crocker.

Crocker will need to get inside Paro’s southpaw jab and get his work off, while Paro will look to frustrate Crocker with that jab. The Belfast fighter showed his versatility in the rematch against Donovan, but it remains to be seen how the trainer switch will impact this fight. We are backing Paro to get the job done, winning a razor-close split decision.

Full press conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of No Limit Boxing.

Featured Image Credit

No Limit Boxing X