Liam Paro Captures IBF Title From Subriel Matias in a Shocker!
In front of a shocked crowd in Manati, Puerto Rico, Australia’s Liam Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) went into the lion’s den and captured the IBF junior welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory (115-112, 115-112, 116-111) over home area favorite Subriel Matias (20-2, 20 KOs).
Paro took advantage of the slow-starting Matias and won the early rounds through sheer activity. In the middle rounds, Matias raised his level of intensity and began to land with power shots to the head and body.
Whenever the Puerto Rican seemed to be on the verge of taking control, the Aussie gritted his teeth, maintained his discipline, and responded. The vaunted power of Matias never came into play. Paro was the fresher fighter in the championship rounds. He carried the action and took the fight to the hometown hero.
A 7-1 underdog, Paro scored one of the year’s biggest upsets. Afterward, the new IBF champion said he’s ready to fight any of the other world champions in a white-hot junior welterweight division.
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