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Liam Paro has warned Subriel Matias he will have to force him into the brawl he believes the IBF super-lightweight champion is hoping for on Saturday.
The Australian challenges Matias at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico on the occasion of his first world-title fight and Matias’ second defence of the IBF title.
Matias, 32, and from Puerto Rico, has come to be recognised as the most aggressive fighter at 140lbs, and Paro – who was denied by injury the chance to challenge Regis Prograis for the WBC title – is unwilling to go toe-to-toe with him unless he has no choice.
“We’ve worked on some game plans,” said Paro, 28. “Alfie [Di Carlo, my trainer] has the best boxing IQ in the game. I won’t share too much but obviously I’m not going to stand a trade with the guy. That’s what he’s banking on, but my boxing IQ is up there as well and we’re going to box the guy.
“If it has to be a fight, it can be a fight too, I’ve got the dog in me. I’ve been lucky to win my other fights comfortably but I’ve got that in me and I’m ready for anything.
“I am a fighter, and fighter’s fight, and I’m proving that, not only by fighting the guy that’s the most avoided in the division, but going to his backyard to do so. I’ve always said I’ll fight anyone and I’m showing that. There’s a world title on the line and that’s what you dream about as a kid – winning world titles – and what better way to do it than to take out the number one guy in the division? I didn’t want to weave my way around the easy way – you want to beat the best and there’s no better way.
“I always have a quick look at the other guys in the division, but styles make fights. Alfie Di Carlo has had his eye on him for a for four or five years now and he said our paths would cross, and here we are. The day has come and this is it – time to show the world what I am all about.”
Paro responded to the disappointment of missing out on the fight with Prograis in June by impressively stopping Montana Love on the undercard of Prograis’ defeat in December by Devin Haney.
“It’s a world title fight and you shouldn’t expect anything but a hard night’s work,” he continued. “I’m ready for a 12 round war. I’m going to give this 110 per cent and I’m ready for anything that he throws at me.
“I can adjust on the fly. I’ve got a lot of ability and a high boxing IQ, so i just don’t think he’s boxed anyone with my style. Yes, he’s boxed good opponents, and I’ve not boxed anyone like him before, so we’re going to see on the night how it all pans out.”