Ghostbuster Paro clears path to legacy-defining rematch

A validated Liam Paro is eyeing bigger targets, claiming he won't "chase ghosts" and fight George Kambosos Jnr.
The Australian is instead intent on a rematch with their 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 Arizona 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 Jnr didn't 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 Jnr 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 that includes Ryan Garcia, Rolando Romero and Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz.
"People underestimate what Liam brings to the table,' No Limit boss George Rose said.
"He's tough, smart, and marketable as hell.
"He's doing it without shortcuts, without ducking anyone, and that's why the biggest names are going to have to deal with him eventually.
"This is the beginning of something huge."
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.
"I had to defend my world title overseas under my last promoter when I should've been celebrating it in Australia," Paro said.
"So this one's for my Aussie fans and Queenslanders. And next time I want to be back here again, but with a world title on the line.
"I'm not here for easy fights or padded comebacks. You look at what Tim Tszyu's doing ... he's back in a mega-fight and rematch with (Sebastian) Fundora.
"That's the blueprint and that's what I'm chasing too.
"I'm not asking for a (Hitchins) rematch just to tick a box.
"I want a belt in my hands before we run it back. And when we do, I want it to be a unification. That's the goal. That's how legacies are built."

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AFL 2025: Hawthorn sell Waverley Park to AFL

Sky News AU

22 minutes ago

Sky News AU

AFL 2025: Hawthorn sell Waverley Park to AFL

Waverley Park, the site of one of only three AFL grand finals not played at the MCG, will remain a football venue after the league purchased it back from Hawthorn in a sale worth up to $20m. Hawthorn won the 1991 grand final at what was then VFL Park and then made it the club's training base following the last match played at the venue in 1999. The AFL sold the surrounding land to a developer for $110m, used the proceeds to fund Marvel Stadium, which it also now owns, before the Hawks purchased the freehold to the oval and administration building for just $1. But ahead of a move to a $100m new training facility in Melbourne's southeast, Hawthorn put Waverley up for sale and the AFL snatched it up with plans to use it for 'talent pathways programs, community footy, and umpire development and programs'. Games could also return to the venue in some form, possibly AFLW or even under-18 games. 'Waverley Park has had a long history in footy, being the first venue to be designed and built specifically for Australian rules football,' AFL boss Andrew Dillon said. 'The purchase of the ground and facilities is a rare and timely solution that will help with our talent pathways programs, community footy, and umpire development programs, all of which will now be worked through with the relevant stakeholders. 'The AFL has targeted having 10 million attendees at AFL/AFLW games, events, and festivals, two million AFL club members and one million participants, and in order to achieve the target for participation we need two ovals a week every week for the next five years. 'We are always looking for green space so we can continue to expand the playing fields we need to accommodate the strong national growth in people playing our game.' Hawthorn defeated West Coast in the 1991 grand final, played away from the MCG that was being redeveloped. The only other two grand finals not at the MCG were at the Gabba in Brisbane in 2020 and Optus Stadium in Perth in 2021, both due to Covid restrictions. Originally published as Nearly three decades after last AFL game played at Waverley the venue is back in league hands