Imagine waking up to a 4am call that changes the course of boxing history. That’s exactly what happened when No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose secured a groundbreaking $1.1 million purse bid, setting the stage for Australia’s Liam Paro to challenge IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker on home soil. But here’s where it gets controversial: this isn’t just about Paro’s title shot—it’s a bold move by No Limit to dethrone not one, but two of Eddie Hearn’s UK world champions this year. Could this be the start of a new era in boxing promotion? And this is the part most people miss: No Limit’s bid outpaced Hearn’s Matchroom by a mere $27,000, proving that sometimes, it’s the smallest margins that make the biggest statements.
In an exclusive interview with Fox Sports Australia, Rose revealed the adrenaline-pumping details of the early morning Zoom call with IBF executives. ‘Waiting for that number after one million, one hundred… it felt like an eternity,’ he recalled with a grin. The win wasn’t just a victory for No Limit—it’s being hailed as the largest purse bid ever secured by an Australian promoter. But Rose isn’t stopping there. He’s already eyeing a blockbuster matchup for one of the Tszyu brothers—Tim or Nikita—against Matchroom’s newly crowned IBF super welterweight champion, Josh Kelly. Bold move or risky gamble? Fans are divided, and the debate is heating up.
Paro, who learned of the news via a barrage of 4am missed calls from his trainer, Alfie Di Carlo, couldn’t contain his excitement. ‘It still feels unreal,’ he admitted. ‘Fighting for a world title in Australia has been my dream since signing with No Limit.’ Meanwhile, the Tszyu brothers are gearing up for their own comebacks. Nikita, fresh off a contentious no-contest with Michael Zerafa, and Tim, rebounding from a 2024 knockout loss, are both ranked in the IBF’s top 10 and hungry for a shot at Kelly.
Here’s the kicker: Paro was once managed by Hearn’s Matchroom, but after a split decision loss to Richardson Hitchins in Puerto Rico, he’s now poised to rewrite his narrative on home turf. ‘If Liam had defended his title in Australia, I believe he never loses that fight,’ Rose asserted. ‘Fighting at home gives you every possible advantage.’
As No Limit finalizes the bout’s date and venue—likely late March or early April—the question remains: Can they topple Matchroom’s champions and reshape the boxing landscape? What do you think? Is this the year Australian boxing takes center stage, or will Hearn’s empire strike back? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
