About this episode

The episode discusses Lewis Crocker's recent fight against Liam Paro and features insights from various guests.

Lewis Crocker surrendered his IBF world welterweight title after a gruelling battle with Liam Paro in Brisbane. Having won the belt in his closely contested rematch with Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park last September, the Croc was handed a stern first defence: a trip Down Under to face the home favourite. And he very nearly pulled it off, coming on strong in the late rounds and showing much of his feted power as he hurt Paro down the stretch and came close to getting him out of there in a desperate final round. We discuss the bout, and what’s next for both fighters, on today’s show. Renowned Australian journalist Grantlee Kieza joins us to give his view of the contest, as well as to discuss his time in the corner of his country’s boxing GOAT, Jeff Fenech, and his long association with heavyweight Joe Bugner. Lewis’ sister, Alanna Nihell, also comes on to tell us why her younger brother won’t be too downhearted in defeat and why he’s still got the world at his feet. Alanna also tells us why she’ll be front and centre at Croke Park on September 5 for her old friend’s last dance, 25 years after facing Katie Taylor in the IABA’s first sanctioned female bout at the National Stadium…

People in this episode

Host: News Ireland

Guests: Lewis Crocker, Grantlee Kieza, Alanna Nihell, David Mohan

Topics covered

• boxing
• Lewis Crocker
• Liam Paro
• fight analysis
• sports journalism
• female boxing history

Keywords

• Lewis Crocker
• Liam Paro
• boxing
• IBF world welterweight title
• Grantlee Kieza
• Alanna Nihell
• David Mohan
• fight analysis
• sports

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Sport NI

Books & works: Katie Taylor

Places: Brisbane, Croke Park, Windsor Park

More episodes of The Rocky Road

• Sean McComb - Who Wants It? · July 16, 2026 · 56 min
• The Rocky Road to Croke Park - Part 2 · July 7, 2026 · 44 min
• The Rocky Road to Croke Park - Part 1 · July 1, 2026 · 59 min

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