And The New: Liam Paro Upsets Subriel Matias

In front of a packed stadium in Manati, Puerto Rico, on Saturday night, Liam Paro of Australia shocked the fans and the boxing world with one of the biggest upsets so far in 2024. Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) won his first world title by unanimous decision over Subriel Matias of Puerto Rico (20-2, 20 KOs). Paro is the new IBF World Super Lightweight world champion.

Liam Paro celebrates after hearing the words “And the new,” winning his fight against Subriel Matias. Photo: Amanda Westcott, Matchroom

Paro did it the hard way, winning on the champion's turf tens of thousands of miles from his home in Queensland. Credit to the judges who ignored the roars of the fans and scored the fight correctly: 116-111, 115-112, and 115-112. No credit to referee Luis Pabon of Puerto Rico, who docked Paro a point for holding without any advance warnings.

“Thank you Team Paro, everyone back home! We fucking did it!” said an elated Paro after the victory. “All the people who said I couldn't do it, it's Paro Time!”

Liam Paro Handcuffs Subriel Matias

Liam Paro refused to let Subriel Matias get up to speed. Photo: Amanda Westcott, Matchroom

Matias started the fight as he always does. He simply stands and observes his opponents, throwing a few punches and appearing like he's still forming a game plan.

Then Matias has a way of flipping the switch on, and coming like a bat out of hell with offensive firepower to take out his opponents – as he has in every single victory. Every win on the Puerto Rican's record is a stoppage win.

But on Saturday, Matias heard the final bell. Liam Paro never let Matias get back into the fight. He brought the action, and he never slowed down. He never stepped back, and he never let up. Matias didn't seem to know exactly what to do with Paro at times. While Paro has sufficient power, it's not Tank Davis-style power.

Liam Paro: ‘I've been through hell and back'

Liam Paro landed the harder shots against the much-feared Subriel Matias. Photo: Amanda Westcott, Matchroom

It was the fierce determination and unwillingness to let up that gave Paro the victory.

After the win, Paro said, “I've been through hell and back. I go in there, and I always said I'll go get carried out if need be. God kept us both safe. we're going home to our families.

“It's that self-belief. It's all the hard work, I know I'm the hardest worker in the room. I keep proving everyone one. I just took the biggest test and come out on top.”

Hall of Fame Puerto Rican champion Felix “Tito” Trinidad reacts to the action between Subriel Matias and Liam Paro at Coliseo Juan Aubín Cruz Abreu in Photo: Melina Pizano, Matchroom

“He just did his work very well. It's kind of humiliating to lose at home. I'd prefer to lose away from home with everything against you,” said a humble Matias after the fight. “All things are written and planned in life. I'm nobody to change that.”

“Excuses are for losers,” added Matias. “I'm not going to make them.”

Paro said he did feel the power in Matias's punches. “He's tough, he hits hard, he's 20 knockouts for a reason. I've been hit harder in life than that. I've got the heart of a lion, and I showed that.”

Paro also knew he would be at a disadvantage due to the support for Matias at home in Puerto Rico. It was impossible to watch the fight without hearing the nonstop roar of the crowd, and Paro said he was prepared for it.

“I knew it would be a hostile crowd, coming into the lion's den,' said Matias. “It's going to be a better chapter in the book when it's all done. It's a fucking highlight.

“Sorry for the language, I'm on top of the world right now. I'm honestly speechless. I want to thank everyone who stuck by me.”

Who's Next For Paro?

Richardson Hitchins, seen here in his last fight on April 6, is a likely opponent for Liam Paro's first title defense. Photo: Ed Mulholland, Matchroom

Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn said the upset was the result of a great performance.

“What he did in the first three rounds, you just expected Matias to come on strong. Liam had an answer for him at every junction. He stood and fought with him, he got his respect. he pushed him back. It was an absolute master class.”

Hearn said he had the cards so wide after eight rounds that Matias would have needed a knockout to win.

“To come to Puerto Rico, to the backyard of a guy no one wanted to fight, that is a massive win for Liam Paro, a massive win for Australian boxing. He's the one who did it. He changed his life tonight. He's a new world champion. He's the one who had the cojones to come here.”

What's next for Paro? The IBF is strict about enforcing its mandatory challenger. The current mandatory is American Richardson Hitchins. Assuming Hitchins is willing to travel to Queensland, Australia, count on the title fight being staged there, where there is a much bigger fan base and market for the matchup. At least Hitchins will earn a bigger purse for his troubles.

Paro doesn't care who comes next. “I want everyone, man. I proved I'm at the top. 25 fights, 25 wins, all the big ones. Let's go get it. I just took out the boogeyman. I am the man, I am the captain!”