Does Liam Paro Have Enough Skill to Outslick Subriel Matias?
Australia’s Liam Paro (24-1, 15KO) will head into the lion’s den on June 15 when he challenges reigning IBF junior welterweight champion Subriel Matias (20-1, 20KO) on the champion’s home turf in Puerto Rico. The challenger believes he’s the superior boxer. But will boxing ability pay off on fight night and result in him dethroning the home area hero?
HOW TO CONQUER THE CHAMPION
Some in the boxing community believe Matias is the hardest puncher and boogeyman of the division. But Paro is unafraid. During an exclusive interview with the British media outlet Boxing News, the 28-year-old said he’s willing to fight anyone.
His goal is to win a world title. He feels there’s no better way to accomplish his dream than to defeat Matias, a fighter he feels is the beat at 140.
Saying that you’re going to win is one thing. You must have the talent and strategy to back up your words. When asked what it will take to overcome the IBF champion, Paro said it’s all about skills and intelligence.
“We’ve got a game plan. I don’t want to share too much. But obviously, I’m not going to stand there and trade with the guy. That’s what he’s banking on.
My boxing IQ is up there as well. We’re going to box the guy. If it has to be a fight, I’ve got the dog in me. […] I’m ready for anything.”
WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE TABLE
The Aussie is a fundamentally sound fighter with a solid left jab and an excellent combination puncher. While he tends to fight in a tight circle in the center of the ring, Paro has enough movement to trouble Matias, a fighter always in attack mode but doesn’t have the best footwork in the world.
Whenever Paro makes him miss, he has the pop in his punches to make him pay and hurt him simultaneously. Paro’s power was evident in his most recent outing, a six-round stoppage over Montana Love in December 2023.
The task for the Aussie will be daunting. However, don’t call it a complete shock if he can carry out what he has in store and walk out of the ring with the IBF strap firmly around his waist.
