LIAM Paro is the new IBF super-lightweight champion after dethroning Subriel Matias over 12 rounds. Earlier in the evening, Richard Riakporhe struggled with the weight of home crowd expectations and Matias did the same in the Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu, Manati. That was due to a superb display from Paro, who arrived as the underdog and silenced the Puerto Rican faithful. As one man excelled, another wilted.
The judges awarded Paro a unanimous decision. John Basile scored it 116-111, while Gerardo Martinez and Carl Zappia totalled 115-112 apiece.
Following his customary slow start, Matias cranked up the volume at the end of the third, sliding into the beginning of the fourth. Referee Luis Pabon was busy early on, getting on Paro’s case for a variety of fringe offences.
Matias’ corner team asked their man for more activity and he duly obliged in the sixth, landing some sneaky scythes to the body, culminating in a powerful end to the session.
Those moments were few and far between, and Paro boxed extremely well in the first half. Silencing the crowd with peppering blows, tactical holding and slick movement out of the corners.
Pabon was back at it again in the seventh, this time deducting a point from Paro for hitting behind the head. A warning would’ve been more than enough. Regardless, Matias was turning up the pace, finally hammering away with body shots.
That was until the 10th round when the Aussie put in another solid shift and closed strong. Matias had ultimately failed to adjust to Paro’s clever movement and engine.
Matias couldn’t set his feet and failed to throw enough punches. The judges held firm and correctly awarded the visitor his big moment.
“It’s the self-belief. I know the hard work I put in, I’m always the hardest worker in the room. I keep proving everyone wrong,” said Paro.
“We knew it was going to be hard. I would love to come back. I’ve got a target on my back. He was tough, he hit hard. I’m a true warrior with the heart of a lion.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “It’s an incredible win. He’s just won the world title in Matias’ backyard. I’d love to see him defend that title in Australia.”
New champion Paro improved his record to 25-0 (15 KOs). Subriel Matias is now 20-2 (20 KOs). Liam possessed the boogeyman blueprint.
Sidenotes
It was great to see the legendary Felix ‘Tito’ Trinidad at ringside. He was living every exchange when explaining his thoughts to DAZN’s Chris Mannix between rounds.
It was an odd performance from referee Luis Pabon, who was on Liam Paro’s case from the first bell. Credit to the judges who ignored the noise and bluster, scoring the fight fairly.
Matias and Regis Prograis had been going back and forth in the fight week build-up. Subriel should’ve kept his eye on the man in front of him.
Paro will look to follow the initial George Kambosos pathway and grab some high-profile fights back at home. Matias took the loss well. Almost too well as he nonchalantly paraded the ring, exiting to the shadows of the dressing room to let Paro accept his moment.
