PARO: I’M FOCUSED ON MATIAS… BUT I KNOW THERE ARE MEGA FIGHTS OUT THERE
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 13 Jun 2024
Aussie challenger knows landing IBF crown in Puerto Rico sets up blockbuster battles
Liam Paro insists he is not looking beyond Subriel Matias as he prepares to challenge the hometown hero for his IBF World Junior-Welterweight title at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN – but admits that he knows that he could become a major player in the hottest division if he lands the title.
Paro (24-0 15 KOs) fights for his first World title on Saturday night in Matias’ (20-1 20 KOs) backyard, as tough an assignment there is in the sport with the fearsome champion champing at the bit to get back into action.
The Australian holds no fear though and says that winning the World title the hardest way would make it all the more satisfying – and would pique the interest of some of the biggest names in the sport that operate at 140lbs, like Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, and Jack Catterall in facing him.
“We never look past any opponent, we have our target locked on Matias, people get unstuck when they look ahead,” said Paro. “But we know the potential opponents, we know the names in the division that are there, God willing I get the job done. It’s probably the hottest division in boxing right now, the names are endless and if I get the job done, you have the best out there to go at, so I am excited.
“I love being part of this division, there’s big names out there for massive potential fights, I knew that I was at this level and now I have to go and prove it to the world.
“I thought Jack Catterall got the job done against Josh Taylor. He wasn’t as convincing or as one-sided as the first fight, and he should have had the belts first time. I wish him nothing but success and we might cross paths in the future. I want to see the world and I’m getting to do that, hats off to Eddie Hearn that I’m getting these opportunities worldwide, and I’d love to go and win over some UK fans.
“I miss my family and loved ones, but I am away for a reason, I’m here to do a job and give us all a better life, there’s a reason behind it and it’s all going to pay off in the long run. I’m in the crucial part of my life where I can set myself family up for the rest of our lives, so I am just going to keep taking every opportunity with both hands.
“It’s huge, it’s so good for Australian boxing and sport and I’m glad to be a part of it. We’ve always been overlooked by America and the UK, but now we’re not only competing but we’re winning the big fights, we’ve got some World champions and high-level world-rated fighters, so the future is looking bright.”
Matias’ clash with Paro tops a stacked night of action in Puerto Rico, where Angel Fierro faces Alfredo Santiago for the WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight title and Yankiel Rivera meets Victor Sandoval for the WBC and WBA Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental Flyweight titles – and new Puerto Rico signings Stephanie Piñeiro and William Ortiz continue their pro journeys.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Remembering Mr. Elorde: Still the Gold Standard
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Wed, 25 Mar 2026House of Representatives say yes to the Boxing Revitalization Act and it is now sent to the Senate
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Ryan ‘The Polish Prince’ Kielczweski To return after 4-year layoff to fight at home on Granite Chin’s ‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card
Wed, 25 Mar 2026Ellaine Summer Abanco wins silver medal on tiebreak
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Catubig, McDowell win in DC Athletic 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Team Juna wins first competition in IRONMAN 70.3 Davao
By Kim delos Reyes-Teves, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Round 12: Without Promoters there is no Boxing
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Mexican female IBF Champion Irma Garcia to defend on April 5 in England
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 25 Mar 202614-0 super middleweight prospect Tommy ‘The Governor’ Hyde to headline April 18th at home in Cork, Ireland
Wed, 25 Mar 2026MMA legend Jon Jones joins IBA Bare Knuckle as global ambassador
Wed, 25 Mar 2026GOLDEN BOY SIGNS NEW EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP EXTENSION WITH DAZN
Wed, 25 Mar 2026“The Takeover” Teofimo Lopez Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 25 Mar 2026Boxlab Promotions Fighters Shine with Statement Victories in Orlando
Tue, 24 Mar 2026Red Owl Boxing Presents Box Fest XVII on Friday, April 3rd at The Archer Music Hall in Allentown, PA and LIVE on DAZN
Tue, 24 Mar 2026Boxing world fans waiting Isis Sio prompty recovery; Team Isis Sio statement
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 24 Mar 2026