IBF super lightweight champion Sabriel Matias will attempt to fend off another challenger in the form of Liam Paro on Saturday, June 15th.
Fighting in front of a home crowd at the Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico, Matias will be looking to further his reputation as one of boxing's most feared finishers.
But what do we know about his opponent?
WATCH: Mathias vs. Paro, live on DAZN
Who is Liam Paro? Career Stats, Records and Achievements of the Australian Boxing Star
Paro is a 28-year-old boxer from Mackay, Queensland, Australia.
The southpaw boasts an undefeated professional record of 24-0 and has risen through the ranks fighting domestically before turning his attention to the world.
In 2018, Paro won the national title after Andrew Wallace withdrew before the fourth round.
Paro defeated many international boxers while still fighting domestically, including some who were undefeated before facing “The Prodigy”, winning IBF and WBO regional titles in the process.
It wasn't until late 2021 that Palo began to gain attention on the world stage, when he overcame a first-round knockdown to defeat Yomar Alamo on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley rematch.
Following that bout, Paro signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.
The international boxing powerhouse will hold its first bout in Australia in October 2022, when Paro will face countryman Brock Jarvis, who is coached by Jeff Fenech.
After an intense pre-fight battle, Paro made his presence known with a one-punch knockout of the previously unbeaten Jarvis, scoring a commanding first-round victory.
Paro was then scheduled to fight Robbie Davis Jr. in the UK, but was forced to withdraw after a pre-fight medical revealed he had a facial fracture.
He then secured a world title fight against Regis Prograis last June, but missed out due to an Achilles injury.
Palo finally returned to the ring in December, knocking out Montana Love in the sixth round with a sharp uppercut and some heavy follow-up punches.
In March, Matchroom confirmed Palo would face Matthias on enemy turf to win coveted championship gold.
Read more: Is Subriel Matias the best super lightweight boxer in the world?
Speaking about his bout with Mathias, Paro said he is confident in his own boxing ability to overcome the power and pressure that the reigning champion will bring.
“I won't say too much, but I certainly don't want to be at odds with him,” Paro said.
“He's counting on that, but I have a high boxing IQ, so we're going to beat him.”
“If I have to fight, then I don't mind fighting, because I've got a dog inside of me.”
“I've been lucky to win the other matches easily, but I have the strength and I'm ready for any match.”
Liam Paro's record and career
- Nationality: Australian
- Height: 5′8½″/174cm
- Reach: 71″/180cm
- Division: Super Lightweight (140lb/63.5kg)
- Date of Birth: April 16, 1996 (age 28)
- Record: 24-0, 15 KOs
