- Liam Paro wins the world championship with great surprise
- The Australian gave a master class against an opponent with great blows
- Paro dedicates the victory to a friend who died in 2015
Unsung Australian Liam Paro shocked the world and dethroned champion Subriel Matias in his home lair to claim the IBF super lightweight world title.
Queenslander Paro was a big underdog against big hitter Matias in Manatí, Puerto Rico, on Sunday, but won by unanimous decision.
“We knew it was going to be difficult,” Paro said afterward. ‘…I keep proving everyone wrong. He’s tough, he has 20 knockouts for a reason.
‘…I knew I was entering the lions’ den.’
Queenslander Liam Paro has produced one of the great performances in Australian boxing history, winning the IBF junior welterweight title over Subriel Matías in Manatí, Puerto Rico.
The Australian underdog defeated the Puerto Rican by unanimous decision in front of a rowdy crowd.
Paro, 28, surprised many by being able to defend himself against Matías’ pressure and unleash his own combinations.
His persistent jab, hooks and combination punches triumphed against Matías, who was rarely able to show his famous pressure.
Paro was docked a point in the seventh round for hitting the back of the head.
It was a controversial ruling, described by fight commentators as “shameful”, “disgusting” and “ridiculous”.
Fortunately for the Australian, this did not affect the fight.
He racked up early rounds against the notoriously slow-starting Matias.
While the Puerto Rican boxer landed some powerful flurries, especially in the middle rounds, Paro recovered from the points deduction and clearly won the later rounds.
Paro has the words “Conquer the World” tattooed on his body to remind him of his mission and the promise he made to his friend to become world champion.
Paro’s childhood friend Regan Grieve, who was a prominent rugby league player, took his own life in 2015. His death left Paro devastated, and the boxer says he is now fighting to conquer the world’s memorial of his partner.
It was a mantra he shared with his childhood partner Regan Grieve, who was a prominent rugby league player who captained the Queensland under-18 team and was signed by the North Queensland Cowboys.
Grieve took her own life in 2015 aged just 18, leaving Paro absolutely devastated.
“That means a lot to me,” Paro said.
‘The only thing we have in this life is our word, and being my man on the highest scale means a lot to me.
‘I am enthusiastic. RG, honey, I made a promise to my friend who passed away and I’m a man of my word.
‘All the people who said I couldn’t do it, it’s time to Strike!
‘(Matías) hits hard, he’s tough and he has 20 knockouts for a reason. But in life I have been hit harder than that. I have the heart of a warrior and I showed it.’
