Aussie boxing star Liam Paro outlines plans to bring Manny Pacquiao back to Australia for revenge fight
CODE Sports can reveal Pat Rafter Arena will host a boxing card for the first time ever when Paro (26-1) makes his domestic PPV debut in Brisbane at the iconic venue named after an Australian tennis legend.
The Mackay mauler has secured a world-title eliminator against unbeaten Frenchman David Papot (30-0-1) on Thursday, September 18 in his plan to lure Pacquiao Down Under for another Suncorp Stadium blockbuster.
Paro, who won a world title at super lightweight last year, is moving up a division and will make his debut at welterweight against Papot, a dangerous southpaw ranked No. 5 with the WBO.
Going up to 147 pounds puts Paro in the same division as Pacquiao, who featured in an iconic Australian bout in 2017 when he was beaten by Jeff Horn in a world-title boilover before 50,000 fans at Suncorp.
Pacquiao is still active in the sport. Last month, he fought superbly at age 46 in his draw with WBC champion Mario Barrios as the main event on the same card in which Tim Tszyu lost to Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas.
Victory over Papot would secure a world-title shot for Paro and the 29-year-old Queenslander hopes another major belt will be the sweetener to bring the 'Pac Man' back to Australia for revenge.
'If I got to share the ring with Manny Pacquiao it would be a true blessing,' said Paro, who confirmed his move to welterweight.
'I'm not going to demand it or kick and scream, I know I have to earn the right to fight Manny and if I win a belt at 147 then I've got some pulling power.
'I'm sure Pacquiao would love to right the wrongs against Horn by beating another Aussie.
'I'm here waiting for him if he wants it.
'I really do believe I can beat Manny Pacquiao. Let's face it, he is a legend of the sport, but he's now 46 and he was very good a few weeks ago against Barrios.
'It would be a true pleasure to share the ring with Manny, but first I need to win another world title and that's what I plan to do at welterweight.'
After losing his world title to Richardson Hitchins last December, Paro bounced back with a thumping fifth-round TKO of American Jonathan Navarro in his comeback in Cairns in June.
Paro is now on course for a world-title shot against the winner of Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan, who will square off for the vacant IBF strap in Belfast on September 13.
Five days later, Paro will light up Pat Rafter Arena on a blockbuster No Limit card that will also feature two-time world-title challenger Liam Wilson (16-3) and former Olympian Paulo Aukuso.
Wilson takes on tough American Carlos Gonzales (15-0-1), while Aokuso (8-0) will continue his push for a light heavyweight world title against unbeaten American Casey Dixon (6-0).
No Limit boss Matt Rose said Paro can join the Tszyu brothers, Tim and Nikita, as a pay-per-view star and confirmed plans for the stylish southpaw to throw down with Pacquiao.
'We are absolutely interested in bringing Manny back to Australia,' Rose said.
'But I know we need a carrot to bring him back here – and that carrot is Liam Paro as a world champion.
'Liam is two wins away from winning a world title again and if we get the belt, we'll be going after Manny Pacquiao to attract him back to Australia.
'It would be massive to have Manny back out here, he is much loved in Australia with his Filipino fans and boxing fans after the Jeff Horn story.
'Manny is 46, so we know time is running out, but he could be around for another 12 to 18 months and that gives us time to make the fight happen.
'Liam has to have a world title to get Manny here and that's the path we are on.
'Liam Paro is Australia's next pay-per-view superstar, but the big unknown is whether he can make the step up at welterweight.
Paro warned he will be even more dangerous in a bigger weight class.
'I've struggled to make weight for a while now,' he said.
'At welterweight I will be even bigger and stronger, my opponents don't realise how hard I hit until they are in the ring and it's too late.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Australian
41 minutes ago
- The Australian
A-League clubs set for cash boost if Western United folds
A-League clubs are set to benefit financially should Western United fold via a likely increase in distribution fees that also could rise after the Australian Professional Leagues recorded an operating profit for the 2025 financial year. Clubs were informed on Friday that the APL had enjoyed a preliminary operating profit for the recently completed financial year of $1.7 million. While it's not a huge profit, it's a significant improvement from the previous two years' losses of $55 million (2023) and $37 million (2024). The 2025 profit also incorporates a 34 per cent reduction in operating expenses from the previous year. In an email to club bosses seen by NewsWire, APL executive chairman Stephen Conroy said: 'Not withstanding the difficult decisions we've had to make, and the challenging circumstances we have all been working through, this (profit) represents a $57 million turnaround in the last two years. 'We started the strategic review in early 2024 to right-size the A-Leagues and grow our core football product and revenues. 'It has been an extremely challenging period, but this significantly improved financial position provides us a strong platform for sustained growth.' Western United fans might not have a team to support for much longer. Picture:Sources close to the APL say the next step is to grow revenue lines for A-League clubs through a variety of avenues, including increased sponsorship and an improved broadcast deal. The APL deal with current broadcasters Network 10 and Paramount Plus is about to enter its final season. The likelihood is that the APL will sign a new contract with its current broadcasters, who also have a deal with Football Australia to show Socceroos and Matildas games. Clubs have welcomed the 2025 profit, and are hopeful it could lead to a slight increase in distribution fees which were slashed by almost 75 per cent to $530,000 per club last year. The fees that each club receive are also likely to increase by a small amount if Western United's appeal against being stripped its A-League licence fails, as the APL would then have about $1 million more to split among the competition's remaining 12 men's clubs. Last week Football Australia took back United's licence due to the financially embattled club not meeting the criteria required to compete in the A-League men's and women's competitions. The club's proposed new majority investor KAM Melbourne is yet to submit its full ownership proposal to the APL despite the investment – understood to be worth $100 million when including the purchase of the club's parent company Western Melbourne Group – having been announced by United in May. The future of Western United players, including Dylan Leonard, is uncertain after the club was stripped of its A-League licence. Picture:United has also been banned by FIFA from registering new signings due to an ongoing financial dispute with the club's former striker Aleksandar Prijovic. Club chairman Jason Sourasis was also reportedly hit with a personal tax bill of almost $3 million in June, with the unpaid taxes owed by some companies that sustain United. The uncertainty over United's future has delayed the unveiling of the 2025-26 A-League season, which starts in October. However, if United folds, the 12 remaining men's clubs will still each play 26 regular season games (13 home and 13 away). Teams will play each other at least twice, and a third time against four teams to make up the 26 matches. Marco Monteverde Sports reporter Marco Monteverde is a Brisbane-based sports reporter for NCA Newswire. He worked in a similar role for The Courier-Mail from 2007 to 2020. During a journalism career of more than 25 years, he has also worked for The Queensland Times, The Sunshine Coast Daily, The Fraser Coast Chronicle and The North West Star. He has covered three FIFA World Cups and the 2000 Sydney Olympics, as well as a host of other major sporting events in Australia and around the world. @marcothejourno Marco Monteverde
The Australian
4 hours ago
- The Australian
AFL Round 23 preview: Nathan Buckley on Melbourne, Crows v Pies
One of the games of 2025 headlines Super Saturday in round 23. That monster clash between the Crows and Pies caps a huge day of football that will shape the finals race. Nathan Buckley previews every match below. GOLD COAST V GWS GIANTS Carrara, 12.35pm •The Giants have monstered Gold Coast in recent years, having won 14 of their past 15 encounters by average of 51 points. Is this a different Suns outfit, unencumbered by the past? The Suns have gone on a series of firsts in their quest to qualify for September and they would love to arrest the Giants' hoodoo along the way. •Gold Coast enters this game, having dominated clearance on their home deck throughout the year. They have outscored their opponents by almost four goals a game on average from this source alone in their seven home games, which the Giants will need to meet and address to get the game on their terms. Jarrod Witts' ruck strength and Matt Rowell's ground-level ball winning have underpinned this strong aspect of the Suns' plan. •Toby Greene has found Peoples First a happy hunting ground, averaging three goals a game here. The Giants' forward structure continues to be reshaped, with Jesse Hogan and now Jake Stringer on the will look to Aaron Cadman and Callum Brown to continue their good form. The Suns' defence, stiffened by Sam Collins' return in recent weeks, is standing up so that battle will be important. •Two of the game's most exciting talents will pit their natural attributes against one another today. Finn Callaghan is a hard running smooth mover who creates overlap and end to end transition with his clean, sharp use and decision making. Bailey Humphrey is a big body contested ball beast who has most recently impacted results through key contests and scores. Two different ways to go about it … same devastating outcome. CARLTON V PORT ADELAIDE Marvel Stadium, 1.20pm •Michael Voss will look to use Carlton's final two games to kickstart his 2026 campaign. The Blues have been the second worst team in terms of pressure differential since Round 19 and that's not just intensity in defence, it's clean use with ball in hand to buffer the opposition's heat. This is a good chance to change the narrative. •Port Adelaide needs to provide more opportunities for its forwards. No team over the past month has had a worse inside 50m differential than the Power, losing the count by 21.8 per game in this time. •Ollie Hollands has been used off half back to give Carlton more run and carry and he has stood up well, with a career-best 29 disposals and 10 rebound 50s last week. He is a hard working player who along with Lachie Cowan are the young players that Carlton need to continue to allow growth within to build a rebounding game that can give their forwards good supply. •Aliir Aliir's form through this year has been exceptional. Back to his intercepting best, Aliir was able to patrol the back half of the ground, mopping up errant opposition possessions in the air and on the ground. At his best he is a player that opposition coaches have to plan around and Carlton will need to make him accountable to quell his influence in the contest. HAWTHORN V MELBOURNE MCG, 4.15pm •Hawthorn's form has returned at the right time of year, looking up and about and energised in its last two games. Despite the absence of Will Day and Josh Weddle, they look to be imposing a game style that could challenge other contenders. Hawthorn's pressure game has been competition best across the season and when they can speed up off turnovers they look at their best. •Melbourne brought energy and workrate to their strong performance against the Dogs last week. In the game all the way until the end, they were able to match their midfield and bounce off halfback consistently to provide supply to their front six. With two more big games to come against Hawthorn and Collingwood, it gives the players a focus to test themselves and shape the finals in 2025 while taking some key lessons into next year. •Since Round 19, Hawthorn has conceded more points from intercept possessions than any side – over 30 per game. The Demons' ability to transition quickly, especially off kick-ins where they're ranked No.1 for scoring, could expose that vulnerability if the Hawks' forward pressure drops for even a moment. •Jake Melksham's seven goals from beyond 50 metres this season – more than any player in the AFL – is a threat Hawthorn must plan for, especially given its 21.5% one-on-one loss rate in defence. Conversely, when Nick Watson kicks multiple goals, Hawthorn is 8-2 – making his influence a strong barometer of its winning chances. ADELAIDE V COLLINGWOOD Adelaide Oval, 7.35pm •Adelaide's post-clearance pressure is ranked No.1 in the competition, and it's not just a number— it's a mindset. They've built their defensive brand on making every disposal a contested one, and since Round 19, they've conceded the fewest marks in defensive 50. Collingwood will need to absorb that heat while maintaining composure in possession, something they've struggled with in recent weeks. •The Magpies are being beaten at the coalface - outscored by almost seven points per game from ball-up stoppages over the last five rounds, dead last in the league. Adelaide, meanwhile, is converting intercepts into points better than anyone at home. This is a territory battle, and whichever side bends the game to their preferred source will dictate the scoreboard. •Collingwood carries an imposing record - undefeated in its last 11 against the Crows, with an average winning margin of 21 points. But Adelaide's home-ground pressure profile is the best Collingwood will have faced in months. This is a collision between historical dominance and current form lines, and it'll reveal whether the Magpies' game can stand up or not. •Jordan Dawson's influence is built on balance—averaging 30 disposals and eight tackles in his last four games against the Magpies. Scott Pendlebury, the lone Magpie to break 25 disposals last week, shapes as the counterweight. Both are the primary decision-makers in chaos, and whichever captain controls the ball in space can best shape the fortunes of this game. AFL Brisbane responded to last week's defeat in typical Lions' fashion, but Fremantle's horror performance was also entirely predictable. So, what does it all mean? Eliza Reilly breaks it down. AFL Essendon entered their clash with St Kilda with 17 names on the injury list, exited with 19 — as well as a heartbreaking loss. Josh Barnes writes, you have to feel for these wounded Dons.
West Australian
5 hours ago
- West Australian
Nat Fyfe: Retiring Fremantle Dockers great thanks fans, gets guard of honour in what could be final home game
'I'll always be a Fremantle person'. That was the final message from an emotional Nat Fyfe to a heaving Optus Stadium crowd as the Dockers legend received a guard of honour after what could be his last match in WA. Fyfe lapped up the love from adoring Freo fans after his club's loss to Brisbane, with the mood quickly turning from sombre to appreciative after the Dockers' loss as attention turned to the retiring superstar. The two-time Brownlow medallist did a quick lap of honour to acknowledge the Purple Army before heading down the race flanked by a guard of honour from teammates and Lions rivals. Fyfe gave the thumbs-up and clapped to the crowd and hugged a string of important figures in the line-up before exiting the arena, with the Dockers now facing a tough task to ensure it won't be his last WA fixture. 'I've had an amazing journey across my career and always been supported by our Fremantle family,' Fyfe said on Fox after the game. 'They've always supported me, and I could hear them whenever I got the ball. 'It's very strange. It's not my style to announce a retirement then keep going - I would have liked to have just disappeared quietly. 'But I will soak in every single minute. This could be the last time I'm out here, and if that's so, that's OK.' Fyfe had an impact with eight disposals and four inside-50s in his final quarter cameo after coming on, with every disposal cheered by Freo's record crowd for a non-derby clash of 54,302. The fans were eager to show their support for Fyfe early despite him again starting as the substitute, with several fans making their presence felt along the boundary line with homemade signs before the game. The club also got in on the occasion by handing out 10,000 posters of the two-time Brownlow medallist as the capacity crowd entered Optus Stadium. A planned ovation at the seven-minute mark — the number Fyfe has worn for all but one of his 16 seasons with the Dockers — was only observed by small segments of the crowd, but their applause was audible around the ground. Fremantle will need to beat the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium next week to secure their finals spot, or hope other results go their way if they don't.
