Tim Tszyu says Liam Paro has already fought, and beat, tougher rivals than IBF welterweight champ Lewis Crocker – including in his most recent Australian headliner.
The surprise revelation comes as Irish world champion Crocker has already himself created a little fight week drama, refusing a face off with the challenger now being billed as ‘The Croc Hunter’.
Paro v Crocker | Wednesday June 24 from 7pm AEST | Liam Paro gets his long awaited title shot against IBF welterweight champion, Lewis Crocker. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports >
While the fighting Irishman, who arrived into Australia two weeks early for the showdown, has been agreeable to a run of media interviews in Brisbane, he and his team refused a request from promoters No Limit to also face off with Paro
Instead, that is expected to happen for the first time tonight at a Grand Arrivals function.
Card confirmed for Tszyu v Spence Jnr | 00:52
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week meanwhile, Tszyu has predicted Paro will make history in Brisbane by becoming the first Australian-born fighter since Jeff Fenech to win world titles in more than one weight division.
‘The Phoenix’ also suggested Paro has had the perfect preparation for his showdown against Crocker – convinced the man he beat to earn this world title shot, Frenchman David Papot, was actually tougher.
Back in September last year, and in his first fight as a genuine welterweight, Paro earned a tough decision win against Papot inside Pat Rafter Arena, taking the scorecards 116-112, 116-112, 117-111.
Initially, that fight was supposed to pitch Paro into a world title eliminator against Paddy Donovan, who has himself lost in consecutive title fights to Crocker.
But after Donovan withdrew from a scheduled bout through illness, Paro was then pitched straight into a title fight – which has itself been delayed since April after the Belfast champ suffered a hand injury in training.
Importantly, Paro is now gunning to create history in his own backyard, and after Australian promoters No Limit won a purse bid for the event against Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing by just $27,000.
Initially, both promoters lodged private purse bids which were then unveiled during a February zoom call involving IBF executives and representatives of both camps.
The Rose boys had lodged a bid of $1.152 million.
Hearn’s stable, meanwhile, offered $1.125 million.
The headliner is also a chance for Paro to create Australian sports history after having Aldo upset Subriel Matias for the IBF super lightweight crown in 2024.
‘I wanted to go to Australia’ | 02:05
Should the 30-year-old be successful, he will join an elite list of Australian boxers to have won titles in multiple divisions – including Fenech, Anthony Mundine, Vic Darchinyan and Danny Green.
Paro will also become the first Australian-born fighter since Fenech to win gold in multiple divisions involving the four major organisations.
All of which has Tszyu convinced of success for his mate.
In fact, the former world champ – who is preparing for his own blockbuster against American superstar Errol Spence Jnr next month – stressed Paro has already proved himself against a tougher fighter at his new weight.
“Because that last guy Liam fought,” Tszyu said of Papot, “I honestly believe he’s a better fighter than Lewis Crocker.
“I remember watching that fight and thinking ‘what the hell?’. That guy was an absolute monster … and Liam Paro passed the test.
“It was a fight that basically went life and death. And Liam, he got it done.
“So that’s why I’m tipping Liam Paro all day in this is the fight.
“Obviously Lewis Crocker is tough fighter. And he’s undefeated for a reason. But from everything that I have seen of both guys, Paro has got him.”
Elsewhere, Tszyu also dubbed Paro one of Australia’s smartest fighters.
“He’s just so smart, really intelligent,” the former world champ said. “And with dynamite in his hands.”
Crocker, meanwhile, is happy to play the role of underdog away from home.
“My last fight was in my hometown stadium, a fight that Eddie [Hearn] got me where I won the world title,“ he said this week.
“So for me, winning the world title will never be as good anywhere else as it was that last time, so I’m happy to fight abroad and it builds the legacy.
“Plus, you know, Paro is the odds-on favourite here. Everyone’s coming to see him and stuff.
“I went through that last time, so it takes a bit of ease off my mind as well. I’m prepared.”