Liam Paro said a fight at home against Lewis Crocker for the IBF welterweight title is a dream come true.

The Irishman became champion with a decision victory over Paddy Donovan in Belfast last year and he has to go on the road for his first defense, taking on Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane on June 24.

No Limit Boxing will promote the event.

“I’m ready to make Australian boxing history,” Paro said 

“It’s the kind of moment you dream about as a kid. To fight for another world title at home in Australia is massive, but there’s no easy road here. Crocker is undefeated and champion for a reason and he’s coming in full of confidence. But I’ve built my career the hard way. I’ve travelled the world, fought in hostile environments and already beaten one of the most dangerous champions in boxing. I truly believe I’m levels above anyone he has faced and I can’t wait to make history on June 24 in Brisbane.” 

The bout had been due to take place earlier this year but an injury to the champion forced the fight’s delay and paused Paro’s bid to become a two-division world champion.

Paro is 30 and comes from Queensland. He’s 27-1 (16 KOs), won his first world title against Subriel Matias but lost the belt to New Yorker Richardson Hitchins.

Crocker, 29, has a 22-0 (11 KOs) and twice defeated Donovan last year, dropping Paddy twice in the rematch and winning a decision.

Crocker was well behind on the scorecards in the first fight only for Donovan to be disqualified with a shot after the bell, having already had points deducted.

No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose said: “This is a proper world title fight between two guys right in the middle of their prime and both believe they’re about to take over the division,” Rose said. “You’ve got Liam Paro, who has already gone overseas and done what most fighters only talk about doing. He went into Puerto Rico against one of the most avoided fighters in world boxing and ripped the belt away from him.

“Then on the other side you’ve got Lewis Crocker, undefeated, world champion, massive support behind him in Ireland and coming here with absolutely zero fear about fighting Liam in Australia. This isn’t smoke and mirrors. This isn’t a manufactured fight. These are two legitimate world level fighters risking everything. We won the purse bid because we believed this fight belonged in Australia and now Brisbane gets a world title event that will absolutely deliver.”