Having lost his IBF super-lightweight title to Richardson Hitchins back in December, Liam Paro made a successful return to boxing today in Queensland, Australia. Competing on home ground, he secured a decisive fifth-round stoppage victory against Jonathan Navarro from California.
Paro, holding a record of 26 wins and 1 loss (16 by knockout), had previously intended to defend his title in an all-Australian bout against George Kambosos Jr. However, these plans were thwarted by Hitchins, who comprehensively defeated the Australian fighter in an unusual contest held in Puerto Rico, abruptly ending Paro`s time as champion.
Today, the 29-year-old southpaw boxer returned to his home country, aiming to regain momentum and pursue a second attempt at claiming titles in the 140lb super-lightweight division. His opponent was Jonathan Navarro (18-2, 9 KOs) in a 144lb catchweight contest.
An accidental head clash early in the fight caused a cut and bleeding for Navarro. Following this, Paro took control, effectively using his jab and landing more precise and impactful punches, highlighting the clear skill disparity between himself and his opponent.
Paro`s dominance culminated in the fifth round. He connected with a significant looping left hand thrown from his southpaw position, hitting Navarro directly on the nose. This powerful blow sent the underdog Navarro to the canvas, leaving him visibly stunned.
Although Navarro managed to get back up, he was immediately subjected to further punishment from Paro. Despite the sustained attack, he showed resilience and managed to survive until the bell ended the round.
Nevertheless, the trajectory of the fight was clear. Wisely, Navarro`s corner decided to halt the contest between rounds to protect their fighter, ensuring he could compete another day. This resulted in Liam Paro being awarded a technical knockout victory in the fifth round, marking Jonathan Navarro`s first professional defeat by stoppage.
During his post-fight interview, Paro stated his ambition to continue representing North Queensland at the highest level of boxing. He expressed his desire to challenge top contenders in the super-lightweight division and work towards regaining his status as a world-level fighter.
A potential all-Australian clash against George Kambosos Jr. could be a highly profitable option and might be considered for his next fight. This is contingent on the former unified lightweight champion choosing to continue his career after his own recent loss to Richardson Hitchins.
