Liam Paro prepares for boxing showdown with Jonathan Navarro in Cairns
A validated Liam Paro is eyeing bigger targets, saying he will not "chase ghosts" and fight George Kambosos Jr.
The Australian is instead intent on a rematch with his conqueror Richardson Hitchins, ideally for multiple belts, as he prepares to fight on home soil for the first time in nearly three years.
The Mackay product (25-1) will headline Wednesday's boxing card in Cairns against the dangerous Jonathan Navarro (18-1).
Caboolture's two-time world title challenger Liam Wilson (15-3) will also feature against Argentinian super featherweight Ayrton Gimenez (22-1) as he eyes a rematch with Emanuel Navarrete after his controversial loss two years ago.
Paro upset Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico to win the IBF's super lightweight title last June and, when a homecoming bout with Kambosos Jr did not eventuate, was forced to return there and defend his belt against Hitchins in December.
The Brooklyn star won a split decision contest and then, as forecast by Paro, obliterated Kambosos Jr in New York City in his first defence earlier this month.
"I copped heat for saying George would lose, but I stand by it," Paro said.
"I just never thought Kambosos was world class. That's not unpatriotic. It's just my opinion as someone who knows what that level really looks like.
"There are levels to this game and I've shared the ring with the elite and I call it how I see it."
Kambosos is 2-4 since upsetting Teofimo Lopez in 2021 but has retained a top-four IBF ranking alongside Paro, who is also well positioned for shots at the WBC and WBO belts.
"I doubt it happens," Paro said of fighting his countryman.
"I think ego gets in the way. He's made it clear he won't fight another Aussie, which says a lot.
"But if we're both seen as one and two in the country, there's only one way to settle it.
"If it ever makes sense, I'm all in. I'll fight anyone, anywhere, but I won't chase ghosts."
Lopez currently owns the WBO strap and is on Paro's hit list, which includes Ryan Garcia, Rolando Romero and Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz.
Paro's last win in Australia was a devastating first-round stoppage of Brock Jarvis that launched him towards his first title shot while signed to Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing.
AAP
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