In a move that has sent ripples through the boxing world, Australia`s Liam Paro has announced a significant shift in his professional trajectory. Stepping away from the super-lightweight division he once conquered, Paro is now setting his sights on the robust welterweight landscape, and with it, a highly ambitious target: the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
The Unpredictable Path of a Champion
Liam Paro, an Australian southpaw with a formidable professional record of 26 wins and just 1 loss (16 by knockout), has never shied away from a challenge. Fourteen months ago, he shocked many by traveling to Puerto Rico and dethroning Subriel Matias to claim the IBF super-lightweight world championship. It was a career-defining moment, a testament to years of dedication and gritty determination.
However, the reign was brief. Last December, Paro lost his hard-earned title to Richardson Hitchins, a setback that underscored the brutal realities of championship boxing. Undeterred, he quickly returned to the winner`s circle, halting Jonathan Navarro in a catchweight contest just five weeks prior to this new announcement, a victory that signaled his readiness for more significant challenges.
The boxing establishment had already laid out a clear path for Paro`s return to super-lightweight contention: an IBF final eliminator against the undefeated Mexican Lindolfo Delgado. The victor would earn the coveted mandatory challenger spot, paving the way for another shot at the title against Hitchins. For many, this seemed a logical and well-deserved progression. Yet, Paro had other plans entirely.
A Calculated Climb: The Welterweight Revelation
In a surprising revelation during a recent broadcast, Paro confirmed he has withdrawn from the eliminator. His decision is not a retreat, but a strategic advance: a definitive move up to the welterweight division (147 lbs). The rationale, according to Paro, is both personal and professional.
“After 10 years in the sport, it is finally time to go up a division. I conquered the world at 140lbs, I’ve been doing it since I was 18 years old and at 29 now it is getting a little bit harder to make the weight. So, we have made the decision to go up and chase that title down at welterweight.”
This statement highlights a common challenge faced by professional boxers: the taxing process of weight cutting. As athletes mature and their bodies evolve, maintaining a competitive edge in a lower weight class often becomes unsustainable, or at least, less efficient. Paro`s move is a pragmatic recognition of his physical state, coupled with a soaring ambition to become a two-division world champion. This pursuit of a second divisional title elevates his career aspirations, placing him among an elite echelon of fighters who have transcended single-weight achievements.
The Audacious Call-Out: Manny Pacquiao
The welterweight division is a hotbed of talent, a landscape populated by some of boxing`s most formidable names. It is a division where legacies are forged and monumental fights are made. But Paro isn`t just looking for any big name; he has set his sights on one of the sport`s all-time greats: Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao.
“I want them all. Everyone knows that I want to fight, I want to fight everyone and 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.”
This isn`t merely a casual mention; it`s a direct, public challenge to a living legend. The call-out is imbued with a compelling narrative: the prospect of bringing Pacquiao back to Australia, specifically to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Paro`s hometown. This venue holds a significant, albeit painful, memory for Pacquiao, who famously suffered a shocking upset loss to Jeff Horn there in 2017. One might imagine the ghost of that defeat still lingers for the Filipino icon, a memory perhaps Pacquiao would be keen to rewrite, even at 45 years old.
The Road to Pacquiao: A Champion`s Prerequisite
While the prospect of Paro vs. Pacquiao is undoubtedly a promoter`s dream, the path to making it a reality is clear, albeit challenging. Pacquiao, who remains intent on defying age and continuing his record-breaking career as the oldest welterweight world champion, is unlikely to return to the ring for anything less than significant world honors. This means Paro will almost certainly need to secure a championship belt in the welterweight division before he can realistically entice “Pac-Man” Down Under.
Paro`s decision not only reshapes his own career but also has immediate implications for the super-lightweight division. With his withdrawal from the IBF eliminator, the door is now open for other contenders. Keyshawn Davis, who recently faced his own challenges at lightweight, is rumored to potentially step into Paro`s vacated spot, marking another intriguing development in the boxing world`s constant reshuffle.
Conclusion: A New Chapter of Ambition
Liam Paro`s move to welterweight is more than just a change in weight class; it`s a declaration of grander ambitions. It`s a calculated risk by a fighter who believes his best years are ahead, unburdened by the rigors of extreme weight cuts. His audacious call-out of Manny Pacquiao adds a layer of genuine excitement, painting a picture of potential mega-fights and captivating narratives.
Whether this bold gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Liam Paro has firmly placed himself in the spotlight, and the welterweight division just became a whole lot more interesting.
