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5 months ago
26
Unsung Australian Liam Paro has shocked the world and dethroned champion Subriel Matias in his home lair to claim the IBF super lightweight world title.
Queenslander Paro was a huge underdog against big-punching Matias in Manati, Puerto Rico, on Sunday, but went on to win by unanimous decision.
'We knew it was going to be hard,' Paro said afterwards. '... I keep proving everyone wrong. He's tough, he has 20 knockouts for a reason.
'... I knew I was coming into the lion's den.'
Queenslander Liam Paro has produced one of the great performances in Australian boxing history, winning the IBF junior welterweight title over Subriel Matias in Manati, Puerto Rico
The Aussie underdog beat the Puerto Rican via unanimous decision in front of a rowdy crowd
Paro, 28, shocked many by being able to fend off the pressure of Matias and unleashing his own combinations.
His persistent jab, uppercuts and combination punches carried the day against Matias, who was rarely able to show his renowned pressure.
Paro had a point taken off in the seventh round for hitting to the back of the head.
It was a contentious ruling, described by the fight commentators as 'disgraceful', 'disgusting' and 'ridiculous'.
Fortunately for the Australian, it didn't affect the fight.
He banked rounds early against the notoriously slow-starting Matias.
While the Puerto Rican boxer landed some powerful flurries, especially in the middle rounds, Paro recovered from the point deduction and clearly won the last few 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 the world champion.
Paro's boyhood friend Regan Grieve - who was an outstanding 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 in his mate's memory
It was a mantra he shared with his boyhood mate Regan Grieve, who was an outstanding rugby league player who captained the Queensland under-18 team and was signed by the North Queensland Cowboys.
Grieve took his own life in 2015 aged just 18, leaving Paro absolutely devastated.
'That means the world to me,'said Paro.
'All we've got in this life is our word, and to be a man of mine on the highest scale, it means the world to me.
'I'm stoked. RG, baby, 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 Paro time!
'(Matias) hits hard, he's tough and he's got 20 knockouts for a reason. But I've been hit harder in life than that. I've got the heart of a warrior and I showed that.'
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