EXCLUSIVE
Australia’s newest boxing champion Liam Paro says he would like a showdown with superstar Ryan Garcia down under following his win over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico – and the American is keen to make that happen.
The 28-year-old southpaw was a huge underdog but managed to overcome dubious refereeing and shock the world by claiming the IBF super lightweight world title from Subrial Matias in Puerto Rico last Sunday.
The victory for the Queenslander matches some of Australia’s historic world title victories abroad, putting him in an exclusive club that includes the likes of Lionel Rose, Jimmy Carruthers, Johnny Famechon, Jeff Harding and George Kambosos Jr.
Paro shocked fans and pundits alike with his ability to fend off Matias’ pressure and unleash his own combinations.
Liam Paro (pictured) took the world title last Sunday after a huge upset over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico
Paro’s win (pictured) is on par with some of the historic world title victories overseas by fellow Australian fighters – such as Jeff Harding, Jeff Fenech and Jimmy Carruthers
His sustained jab, uppercuts and combination punches carried the day against Matias, who was rarely able to show his famous pressure or land his power shots.
Going into the final round, Paro’s trainer Alfie Di Carlo knew victory was within reach.
“Alfie just told me to go out and enjoy it like we do on sanitary towels,” Paro told Daily Mail Australia.
“Go out and win the round, but don’t stand around and trade. Lots of movement and punch from the back foot.
‘I remember him saying that we will become world champions in three minutes, so that was an extra push.’
Composed for the final round, Paro broke down in tears as his hand was raised in victory, knowing he had kept his promise to childhood friend Regan Grieve.
Grieve, a footy star who played for the North Queensland Cowboys, took his own life in 2015 at the age of 18, leaving Paro devastated.
‘The feeling was unreal. The fact that I was able to do it for my best friend was huge.
Paro burst into tears as he raised his hand in victory, remembering the promise he made to late friend Regan Grieve
Paro’s childhood friend Grieve (pictured) – an excellent rugby league player – died in 2015, aged just 18
Paro says he would love to take on superstar boxer Ryan Garcia (pictured with girlfriend Grace Boor) in Australia – and the American is keen to make that happen
‘That was the best feeling. I broke down. I never really cried about anything…but the emotion took over.
“I can’t even put it into words, it was very surreal.”
Paro now has a title in one of the most talent-rich divisions in the sport and could compete against the likes of Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney.
But there is another superstar boxer he would like to test himself against.
“The division is stacked, but there is one guy who doesn’t have a title named Ryan Garcia, so the team is working on what’s next. Just see what options we have.
“He (Garcia) said he would like to organize a big fight down under after my Montana Love fight.
‘I said after my last fight: “Be a professional and make weight and there will be 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 fight for the Australian.
“We know the Australian government supports big boxing, but it has to be world boxing championships, it has to be big names,” Hearn said.
“Liam Paro has become a big name tonight, you have Ryan Garcia, Pitbull Cruz, Teofimo Lopez, Richardson Hitchins; it’s an incredible night for Liam and Australian boxing.”
Right now, Paro is enjoying it and getting some well-deserved time away from the gym.
“I enjoyed a frothy drink afterwards, a well-deserved one,” he laughed.
“I’ve definitely put on a few pounds since (the fight). I’m on the See Food diet. I see food and I eat it.
“We’re in a steakhouse in the Bahamas right now, so we’re doing it tough.”