Lewis Crocker has surrendered his IBF welterweight world title after a unanimous points defeat to Liam Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane.

Judges scored the contest 115-113 in favor of the Australian challenger, handing Crocker the first loss of his professional career. The bout took place on a Wednesday in July, with fans in Belfast watching during their lunch break because of the time difference.

Crocker, from Sandy Row in Belfast, had travelled to Australia two weeks before the fight to adjust to conditions. Before leaving, he said he was feeling great and considered himself the bigger puncher.

The 27-year-old won the IBF belt last September with a split-decision victory over Paddy Donovan at the SSE Arena in Belfast. He defended the title for the first time against Paro.

Crocker split from his long-time Glasgow-based trainer Billy Nelson after winning the world title and is now working with Huzaifah Iqbal at a gym in Surrey. Iqbal's stable also includes Belfast boxer Kurt Walker.

Paro, a former IBF light-welterweight champion, moved up to the 147-pound division for this fight. His record now stands at 28 wins and one defeat.

Crocker returns to Northern Ireland without the belt.