Australia has a new boxing world champion, with Liam Paro producing an “absolute masterclass” to upset Subriel Matias on Sunday (AEST).
The undefeated Aussie has been rising through the ranks at super-lightweight for a number of years and took on Matias in his home nation of Puerto Rico.
Paro was a rank outsider with bookies prior to the bout, but managed to overcome a point deduction to secure a 115-112, 115-112, 116-111 win to claim the IBF world title.
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In an expletive-laden post-fight interview Paro would dedicate his victory to late friend and former Cowboys junior rugby league player Regan Grieve in an emotional moment.
Liam Paro celebrates his victory against Subriel Matias. Getty
“Everyone back home, we f—ing did it,” he told DAZN.
“I actually made a promise to my friend who passed away. I’m a f—ing man of my word and all the people that said I f—ing couldn’t do it … it’s Paro time.”
The 28-year-old Mackay product also gave a classic response on social media when his use of the F-bomb was brought up by Main Event commentator Ben Damon.
Paro’s performance – which saw him move to 25-0 as a professional – was praised by many in the boxing community, including Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who is now hopeful of securing some fights Down Under for the new world champion.
“We said he’d have to get his respect, he did that,” Hearn said.
“He pushed him back, he boxed off the back foot. It was an absolute masterclass, I had it so wide. With three or four rounds to go, Matias needed a knockout.
“It wasn’t even close, it was a masterclass from Liam Paro … and to come to Puerto Rico, the backyard of the guy that no-one wanted to fight, that is a massive win for Liam Paro, a massive win for Australian boxing.
“Time to bring him home to Australia. He’s been on the road for a long time, having to take all these fights. I’d love to see him defend that championship in Australia.”
Tim Tszyu also jumped on social media to congratulate the new champ.
Paro will join Jai Opetaia, Skye Nicolson and Cherneka Johnson as Australia’s current boxing world champions.