Paro targets second world title in Fenech’s footsteps
Joel Gould |
Liam Paro has the chance to follow in Jeff Fenech’s footsteps and win world titles in multiple divisions as he targets the IBF welterweight title after a welcome twist of fate.
Paro will take on current champion, Northern Ireland’s Lewis Crocker, in March or April as he seeks to add to the IBF super-lightweight world title he won in 2024 by defeating Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matias.
Fenech was the first male Australian boxer to win world titles in multiple divisions, courtesy of his titles in bantamweight (1985), super-bantamweight (1987) and featherweight (1988).
Australia’s Danny Green also won world titles in multiple divisions.
“It’s a massive opportunity,” Paro told AAP.
“God willing it all goes to plan and we get to win world titles in two divisions like Jeff Fenech did 39 years ago.
“To have my name in Australian boxing and sporting history will be very special for me.”
Paro’s fortunes were turned on their head after Irishman Paddy Donovan was forced to withdraw from a title shot eliminator against him, which was slated on the same card as the Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa grudge match on Friday night in Brisbane.
The stars have now aligned for him to get a direct shot at Crocker.
“We were heartbroken a couple of weeks ago when we found out Donovan pulled out due to illness,” Paro said.
“We stayed in the gym and kept training hard. I believe that God’s plans are always greater.
“We have missed that speed bump and the risk of fighting Donovan. Injuries could have come out of that but it’s straight to the big one. It is very exciting and humbling.
“I moved up to welterweight with (promoters) No Limit and look how quick I got a shot …within nine months. It is what you work for.”
Paro would ideally like the fight against Crocker on home soil but is prepared to travel. Negotiations with Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who looks after Crocker, will ensue.
“It is all to unfold. The IBF issued a letter to Crocker’s camp and I believe from there it is 10 days that we have to come to an agreement,” Paro said.
“If we can’t it will go to purse bids and it will be whoever’s pockets are deeper. I will fight anywhere. Everyone knows that.
“I won the (super-lightweight) title in Matias’s backyard in Puerto Rico and I am happy to go to Belfast if that is the case.
“I am very confident I can win this fight. For me it is about keeping my head on my shoulders and perfecting my craft with my coach Alfie Di Carlo.”
Paro dares to dream of a possible showdown in future against his hero.
“I always looked up to Manny Pacquiao, being a southpaw,” he said.
” I like the way he holds himself as a real humble champion.
“Funnily enough he is back in boxing in the same division. To think I could potentially share the ring with a legend and lifelong hero of mine would be crazy but one fight at a time. I have to get past Lewis Crocker first.”
AAP
