Just weeks after a triumphant return to the winner’s column, Australian boxer Liam Paro has pulled a strategic U-turn, abandoning his quest to reclaim the super-lightweight title. Instead, Paro is making an audacious leap to the welterweight division, and he isn`t merely looking for a new challenge; he`s setting his sights on a colossal target: none other than boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
The Strategic Shift: Why Welterweight Now?
For a decade, Liam Paro (26-1, 16 KOs) has meticulously carved his path in the super-lightweight division, culminating in an impressive IBF world title victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico. While his reign was brief, ending with a loss to Richardson Hitchins, Paro`s recent stoppage win against Jonathan Navarro confirmed his readiness to compete at the highest level. However, the grind of making 140 pounds has become an undeniable burden.
At 29, Paro has openly admitted the increasing difficulty of cutting weight. This isn`t a retreat; it`s a tactical advancement. As he stated, “After 10 years in the sport, it is finally time to go up a division. I conquered the world at 140lbs… and at 29 now it is getting a little bit harder to make the weight.” His ambition is clear: to become a rare breed – a two-division world champion.
The decision to bypass an IBF final eliminator at super-lightweight against the undefeated Lindolfo Delgado highlights the seriousness of Paro`s commitment to his new weight class. This isn`t a tentative step; it`s a full-fledged commitment to a fresh start in a new domain.
The Audacious Challenge: Pacquiao Down Under?
However, the true headline isn`t just the weight jump; it`s the audacity of Paro’s chosen target. In a move that has sent ripples through the boxing world, Paro has openly challenged none other than Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao. Pacquiao, for his part, has made no secret of his desire to continue fighting for world honors and break his own record as boxing`s oldest-ever welterweight world champion.
Paro envisions a grand return for Pacquiao to Australian soil, specifically Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium – the very venue where the Filipino legend suffered his shocking upset defeat to Jeff Horn in 2017. Paro, a Brisbane resident, seems to be channeling the spirit of that momentous event, suggesting that Pacquiao might relish the opportunity to right a past wrong on that very turf, albeit against a different, hungry opponent.
“I want them [big names at 147lbs] all… the legend, my favourite fighter, Manny Pacquiao, is back in boxing and back at welterweight. So, get me in there, get me to win a belt and then bring him to Australia. I’m sure he wants to get one back on Suncorp,” Paro declared. It`s a clever play, tapping into Pacquiao`s legacy and a perceived need for a definitive Australian performance. One can almost hear the gears turning in Pacquiao’s mind: a chance for redemption, not against Horn, but against a spirited, younger challenger in his adopted backyard.
The Road Ahead: A Title First?
The welterweight landscape is a shark tank, brimming with some of boxing`s most formidable names. While Paro’s ambition is commendable, the path to a showdown with a legend like Pacquiao is rarely direct. Pacquiao, still keen on cementing his legacy with more world titles, would likely require Paro to hold a significant belt at 147 pounds to make the bout truly appealing and commercially viable.
This puts the onus on Paro to quickly establish himself in the new division. His previous world title experience will undoubtedly aid his progression, but the step up in power and size will demand adaptability and a refined strategy. Meanwhile, the super-lightweight division will move on, with Keyshawn Davis potentially stepping into the IBF eliminator slot vacated by Paro.
Conclusion: A New Chapter of Ambition
Liam Paro’s career trajectory has always been one of steady, determined ascent. This latest move, however, isn`t just an ascent; it`s a launch. By embracing the challenge of a new weight class and immediately targeting a living legend like Manny Pacquiao, Paro has declared his intentions in the boldest possible terms. It`s a statement of confidence, a testament to his ambition, and a clear signal that he aims for the absolute pinnacle of the sport.
Whether this bold challenge materializes into a mega-fight or simply serves as a strategic chess move to elevate his profile, one thing is clear: Liam Paro has just significantly raised his stake in the boxing world. The boxing faithful, it seems, have a new welterweight contender with a grand plan and an even grander ambition.
