Australian Liam Paro has warned his trash-talking rival that he will “crack him” as the Queenslander looks to put himself in the frame for a world title shot.
Paro vs Papot | THURSDAY 18 SEPT 7PM AEST | Liam Paro’s quest to recapture gold continues, as he moves up in weight to take on undefeated Frenchman David Papot, with the winner set up to compete for the IBF Welterweight Title. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Paro fights David Papot in the main event of Thursday night’s fight card at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena, with the winner likely to face Lewis Crocker for the IBF welterweight world title.
“We’re both gunning for that one spot at the title table,” Paro told reporters in Brisbane on Tuesday.
“High stakes makes for a lot of excitement. I can’t wait.”
Paro is coming off a brutal stoppage win in June against American Jonathan Navarro, with Thursday’s fight marking his first since moving up to the welterweight division.
The 29-year-old previously admitted that growing fears around weight cuts were a leading factor in his decision to quit the super lightweight division, with a particularly tough cut before his world title loss to Richardson Hitchins weighing heavily on his mind.
Paro ready to go in ‘guns blazing’ | 00:50
Paro may have previously won a world title at super lightweight, but Papot admitted ahead of Thursday’s fight that he thought the Australian was “nothing special”.
To which Paro responded that he “loved” the Frenchman’s confidence.
“I hope he keeps that confidence after I crack him a few times,” Paro added.
Elsewhere, in the co-main event Liam Wilson faces Jorge Santana — who fell off the stage during the weigh-in — for the WBO international super featherweight title.
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