8 hours ago
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."
