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🇦🇺 Australia /Sports

From sleeping in his car and no 'plan B', Paro now has shot at history

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Liam Paro is set to challenge for a world title, aiming to become a multiple-division champion in boxing.
  • Paro previously slept in his car while pursuing his boxing dream, having quit an apprenticeship with no 'plan B'.
  • He will face undefeated champion Lewis Crocker, with Paro questioning Crocker's mindset ahead of the fight.

Liam Paro, with a professional record of 27 wins and 1 loss, is on the cusp of a historic opportunity to become a multiple-division world champion. He is scheduled to fight undefeated Northern Irish boxer Lewis Crocker (22-0) for the IBF welterweight crown at Brisbane's Pat Rafter Arena.

I was stuck for a bit, with nowhere to go for a couple of weeks.

— Liam ParoRecounting a period of homelessness where he slept in his car.

This title fight comes nearly two years after Paro's upset victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico, where he secured the IBF super lightweight belt. Should he win, the 30-year-old Paro would become the first Australian-born fighter in 39 years, since Jeff Fenech, to win world titles across more than one weight division sanctioned by the major boxing organizations.

Paro's journey to this point has been marked by significant personal sacrifice. As a teenager, he boldly quit an auto electrical apprenticeship to pursue boxing without a backup plan. After moving to Brisbane, he experienced homelessness for a period, sleeping in his car, which he affectionately called 'Carol'. He described these experiences as chapters in his life story, reflecting on the determination it took to overcome such challenges.

Crazy, but it's all chapters in the book … you'll look back and go 'wow'.

— Liam ParoReflecting on his past struggles.

His promoter, No Limit Boxing, secured the hosting rights for the fight with a national record bid of $1.152 million, narrowly outbidding Eddie Hearn's Matchroom, which manages Crocker. While Crocker, as champion, will receive the larger share of the purse, a Paro victory promises substantial financial rewards, validating his bold career choices made years ago.

I told dad I was going to leave [the apprenticeship] and shit hit the fan.

— Liam ParoRecalling the difficult decision to leave his apprenticeship for boxing.

Paro has openly questioned Crocker's mindset, particularly Crocker's continued self-description as an underdog. Ahead of the main press conference, Paro also commented on Hearn's absence from Brisbane, suggesting it shows a lack of respect and might inwardly bother Crocker, who is defending his title outside of Europe for the first time.

That was certain, a trade, but I was leaping into a 'could be', something that was just a dream.

— Liam ParoDescribing the uncertainty of pursuing a boxing career.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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