- Liam Paro says he wasn’t blessed with ‘a famous last name’
- Champ’s team says Paro did it the hard way, unlike Tszyu
- Paro aims for a confrontation with George Kambosos
Liam Paro’s side have taken aim at compatriot Tim Tszyu as they begin talks with George Kambosos’ management to set up a possible State of Origin-style showdown.
Queensland’s Paro looks to defend his IBF super lightweight title against talented New Yorker Richardson Hitchens this weekend in Puerto Rico.
But after that, he wants to face the former king of the lightweight division Kambosos in mid-2025.
“There hasn’t been a bigger fight since the Groen-Mundine rivalry, so it’s a no-brainer,” Paro said. News Corp.
“It’s respectful and we’ve always supported each other throughout our careers. We both did it the hard way, the right way.
‘We’ve earned our stripes so it’s going to be in line for a blockbuster and the Australian fans are going to win, that’s for sure.
Liam Paro’s team have spoken out about compatriot Tim Tszyu as they begin talks with George Kambosos’ management to set up a possible fight
Paro, who defends his IBF super lightweight title this weekend, says he did it the hard way and wasn’t blessed with a famous surname
“We are not blessed with the famous surnames, and we have put our own path and our own stamp on the sport, which I think will make the sport even better when it’s all done.
“We’re fortunate to have fought all over the world, so it will be incredible to compete in Australia.
“It’s definitely going to happen in the near future.”
Paro’s manager Angelo Di Carlo said the showdown would be the biggest domestic fight since Anthony Mundine’s fight with Danny Green in 2006.
“I’ve had some conversations with Lou and they’re excited about the Liam fight,” Di Carlo said. “Liam Paro versus Kambosos would be a huge fight for Australia.
“It would be the biggest Australian fight since Mundine-Green. There would be nothing around.
“They both did it the hard way. They haven’t had the support that Tim Tszyu has had. They have had to fight abroad and win in big battles abroad.
“Both sides have agreed for now that they would like to fight, so now it’s just a matter of timing.”
Paro wants to fight former king of the lightweight division George Kambosos in mid-2025
Tim Tszyu is expected to return to the ring early next year
Tszyu, who is coming off a brutal defeat in his IBF championship fight against Bakhram Murtazaliev, is expected to return to the ring early next year.
Michael Zerafa, who has his own history with Tszyu, thinks the time is right for the couple to wrap up unfinished business.
‘Between February and March 2025 would be an ideal time. “Tim needs to spend Christmas with his family and regroup and then he will give the fight fans what they want,” he said Sky News.
“If it continues, it will be a single. I’m coming off one win and two losses. That’s what Australia wants.
“If he were to lose a third fight in a row, I’m the guy who could end him once and for all.”