EXCLUSIVE
Australia’s new boxing champion Liam Paro says he would like to face superstar Ryan Garcia following his shock victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico, and the American is keen to make it happen.
The 28-year-old southpaw was a big underdog, but he managed to overcome some questionable refereeing and shock the world to claim the IBF super lightweight world title from Subrial Matias in Puerto Rico last Sunday.
The Queenslander’s victory ranks up there with some of Australia’s historic overseas world title victories, putting him in an exclusive club with the likes of Lionel Rose, Jimmy Carruthers, Johnny Famechon, Jeff Harding and George Kambosos Jr .
Paro surprised fans and experts alike with his ability to fend off Matías’ pressure and unleash his own combinations.
Liam Paro (pictured) claimed the world title in a huge upset over Subriel Matías in Puerto Rico last Sunday.
Paro’s win (pictured) ranks alongside some of the historic overseas world title wins by other Australian fighters including Jeff Harding, Jeff Fenech and Jimmy Carruthers.
His persistent jab, hooks and combination punches triumphed against Matías, who was rarely able to show his famous pressure or land his power punches.
Going into the final round, Paro coach Alfie Di Carlo knew victory was within reach.
“Alfie just told me to go out and enjoy it like we do in the pads,” Paro told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Go out and win the round, but don’t sit back and negotiate. Lots of movement and hitting with the back foot.
“I remember he said we were three minutes away from being world champion, so that was a little extra boost.”
Paro was composed for the final round and burst into tears as he raised his hand in victory, knowing he had kept his promise to his childhood friend Regan Grieve.
Grieve, a football 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 friend was huge.
Paro burst into tears as she raised her hand in victory, remembering the promise she made to her late friend Regan Grieve.
Paro’s childhood friend Grieve (pictured), who was a prominent rugby league player, died in 2015, aged just 18.
Paro says he would like to face 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 collapsed. I’ve never really cried for anything… but the emotion took over me.
“I can’t even put it into words; it was so surreal.”
Paro now has a belt in one of the sport’s most talent-rich divisions and could face 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’s a guy who doesn’t have a belt named Ryan Garcia, so the team is working on what the next move will be. Just seeing what options we have.
‘He (García) said he would like to organize a big fight after my fight with Montana Love.
‘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 catch him, why not? “Australian fans deserve big names and I think that guy would be the biggest name.”
Paro’s promoter Eddie Hearn is also interested in a homecoming fight for the Australian.
“We know the Australian government supports boxing in a big way, but it has to be a world boxing championship, there has to be big names,” Hearn said.
‘Liam Paro became a big name tonight, you have Ryan García, Pitbull Cruz, Teófimo López, Richardson Hitchins; “It’s an incredible night for Liam and Australian boxing.”
For now, Paro is having fun and spending some well-deserved time away from the gym.
“Afterwards I enjoyed a sparkling wine, well deserved,” he laughs.
‘I’ve definitely gained a few kilos since (the fight). I’m on the watching food diet. I see food and I eat it.
“We’re actually in a steakhouse in the Bahamas now, so it’s hard to do.”
