Australia’s Liam Paro has opened up on the undeniable world title “advantage” that $27,000 has bought him – and while also looking to ink his name alongside no less than Hall Of Famer, Jeff Fenech.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, 29-year-old Paro has given his thoughts on headlining with a Tszyu, becoming a household name, even squaring off against his old promoter, Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn.
In a huge coup for Australian boxing, promoters No Limit have secured the rights to host Paro’s upcoming world title blockbuster against reigning IBF welterweight king, Lewis Crocker.
While no date or venue has yet been set, an announcement is expected next week.
Initially, the bout was being tipped for the UK, however Crocker’s Matchroom team lost out in their purse bid with No Limit, who offered up $1.15 million.
Incredibly, it bested Hearn by just $27,000 – with Paro and his team now convinced they have secured an undeniable advantage over the Irish champ. “And, look, I’m confident of winning this fight anywhere,” Paro started.
“Just as I’ve done before.
“Two years ago I went all the way to Puerto Rico, into the lion’s den, and beat IBF champ Subriel Matias.
“And I did that with everything stacked against me.
“Did it as an eight-to-one underdog.
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“But being an Australian fighter, we’re always travelling for the biggest fights.
“It’s why we’re the road warriors, right?
“But now it’s time for [Crocker] to get out of his comfort zone and come here.
“I mean, they call it hometown advantage for a reason. And that’s why I’m so grateful to No Limit for showing such belief in me.”
Should Paro get up, he will join a shortlist of Australian champions to have won in more than one weight class, including the likes of – most recently — Fenech, Danny Green, Anthony Mundine and diminutive wrecking ball, Vic Darchinyan.
“And to be on the cusp of putting myself into the same conversation as those guys, incredible,” Paro continued. “It’s crazy.
“Growing up, I dreamt of winning world titles.
“But to think I could soon sit in the same room as these guys, it’s ahhh … ummm … as you can see, it really does leave me bloody speechless.
“But I’m also driven to make it a reality.”
Ironically, Paro was previously a part of Hearn’s Matchroom stable.
It was under Matchroom that Paro won the IBF super lightweight in 2024, before then heading back to Puerto Rico six months later to defend against American Richardson Hitchins – a fight he lost by split decision.
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Asked about potentially upsetting a Matchroom fighter in Australia, Paro replied: “Look, it’s business at the end of the day.
“But in saying that, yes, it is going to be that little bit sweeter when I take the title.
“Serve a bit of humble pie, I guess.
“Obviously there’s a lot on the line in this one.
“It’s a massive event and I’m not only blessed to be in this position, but truly grateful No Limit have put me in this position.”
As revealed by Fox Sports Australia this week, No Limit are also looking to put either Tim or Nikita Tszyu on the world title card.
“Which is exactly what the Australian public deserves,” Paro continued.
“Obviously, fighting alongside one of the Tszyu boys is huge, and this card is going to have a whole group of us looking to showcase our skills in what is a massive, world class event.”
And as for his thoughts on Crocker, who most recently took the title from Irishman Paddy Donovan via a disqualification, before then winning a rematch via contentious split decision?
“Look, first fight Crocker won by disqualification, which is fine,” Paro said. “There are rules in boxing for a reason and you have to abide by them.
“But the second fight? That was real close.
“Could’ve gone either way.
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“Although you have to give Crocker and his team credit.
“Especially for the way they changed up their game plan.
“The first fight, there was a lot of it went in Donovan’s favour.
“But the way Crocker changed things up? It was huge. And you could tell Donovan was caught by surprise.
“He was caught by shots. Dropped numerous times.
“So while it was still a close fight, you’ve got to give Crocker the credit.”
Paro said he was also looking forward to everything that would come along with a world title victory on home soil, continuing: “My dream has always been to become a household name in Australia.
“And this is my chance.
“Because while I’ve been a world champion before, I now get the opportunity to do it on home soil.
“And the belief No Limit have shown in me with this purse bid, incredible.
“I can’t wait to become a two-division world champion and to do it here at home.”