EXCLUSIVE
Australia’s newest boxing champion Liam Paro says he’d like a showdown with superstar Ryan Garcia down under, following his upset victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico – and the American is keen to make it happen.
The 28-year-old southpaw was a huge underdog but managed to overcome some dubious refereeing and shock the world to claim the IBF super-lightweight world title from Subrial Matias in Puerto Rico last Sunday.
The win for the Queenslander ranks right up with some of Australia’s historic world title victories overseas, putting him in an exclusive club with the likes of Lionel Rose, Jimmy Carruthers, Johnny Famechon, Jeff Harding and George Kambosos Jr.
Paro shocked fans and experts alike with his ability to fend off Matias’s pressure and unleash his own combinations.
Liam Paro (pictured) claimed the world title in a huge upset over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico last Sunday
Paro’s win (pictured) ranks right up alongside some of the historic world title victories overseas by fellow Australian fighters – like Jeff Harding, Jeff Fenech and Jimmy Carruthers
His persistent jab, uppercuts and combination punches carried the day against Matias, who was rarely able to show his renowned pressure or land his power shots.
Going into the final round, Paro’s trainer Alfie Di Carlo knew that victory was in his grasp.
‘Alfie just told me to go out there and enjoy it like we do on pads,’ Paro told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Go out there and win the round, but don’t stand and trade. A lot of movement and punch off the back foot.
‘I remember him saying we are three minutes away from being world champion – so that was a little extra boost.’
Paro was composed for the final round and broke down in tears as his hand was raised in victory, knowing he had fulfilled his promise to childhood friend Regan Grieve.
Grieve – a footy star who played for the North Queensland Cowboys – took his own life in 2015 aged just 18, leaving Paro absolutely devastated.
‘The feeling was unreal. The fact that I could do it for my best mate was huge.
Paro broke down in tears as his hand was raised in victory, remembering the promise he made to late friend Regan Grieve
Paro’s boyhood friend Grieve (pictured) – who was an outstanding rugby league player – passed away in 2015, aged just 18
Paro says he would like to take on superstar boxer Ryan Garcia (pictured with girlfriend Grace Boor) in Australia – and the American is keen to make it happen
‘That was the best feeling. I did break down. I’ve never really cried after anything… but the emotion took over.
‘I cant even put it into words – it was very surreal.’
Paro now has a belt in one of the most talent-rich divisions in the sport, and could find himself up against the likes of Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney.
But there’s one other superstar boxer he’d like to test himself against.
‘The division is stacked – but there’s one guy who doesn’t have a belt named Ryan Garcia, so the team is working on what the next move is. Just seeing what options we have.
‘He (Garcia) said he’d like to bring a big fight down under after my Montana Love fight.
‘I said after my last fight, “Be a professional and make weight and there’s a belt waiting for you in Brissy”.
‘If we can get him – why not? Australian fans deserve the big names and I believe that guy would be the biggest household name.’
Paro’s promoter Eddie Hearn is also interested in a homecoming bout for the Aussie.
‘We know that the Australian government support big time boxing, but it’s got to be world championship boxing, it’s got to be big names,’ Hearn said.
‘Liam Paro became a big name tonight, you’ve got Ryan Garcia, Pitbull Cruz, Teofimo Lopez, Richardson Hitchins; it’s an incredible night for Liam and Australian boxing.’
As for right now, Paro is enjoying himself and having some well deserved time away from the gym.
‘I enjoyed a frothy afterwards – a well earned one,’ he laughed.
‘I’ve definitely put a few pounds on since (the fight). I’m on the see food diet. I see food and I eat it.
‘We’re actually at a steakhouse now in the Bahamas – so doing it tough.’
