Liam Paro looks set to earn himself a shot at a title fight in the US after a demolition job on American Johnathan Navarro in Cairns.
Paro earned a knock-down from a massive left jab in the fifth round of 10, and the referee began the count. Somehow, Navarro got back up.
But it was short-lived. He survived until the end of the round, before his corner called off the fight.
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The moment Liam Paro landed a brutal right jab on Jonathan Navarro that all but ended their fight. Getty Images for No Limit Boxing
“He is a mess, the nose destroyed now,” Ben Damon said in commentary for Fox Sports, moments before the fight was called.
“Paro is home a winner and destined for big things.”
It was the Mackay product’s first fight for George Rose’s No Limit, after a split with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom.
“Man it feels good to be home … I think I just made my statement,” he said post-fight.
“I’m back where I want to be – at the top.
Paro celebrating victory. Getty Images for No Limit Boxing
“There’s always things to improve on, but we had a great camp, and I hope it’s the first of many, especially in north Queensland. I want to win my world title in front of you guys.”
Coming off his first career loss in his last fight, Paro was hesitant in the build-up to talk about the future. But now past Navarro, he knows exactly what’s next.
“Man, I want another belt. I keep saying two-time has a ring,” he said.
“I want the belt, I want to avenge my loss. Life has given me the opportunity to bounce back and show how much of a champ I am to adversity, so I’m ready to prove the critics wrong and turn haters into motivators.”
A brutal gash was opened up on Navarro’s nose by the decisive jab. Getty Images for No Limit Boxing
Before the fight, Rose indicated future fights could be against the likes of Teofimo Lopez, Ryan Garcia or Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz.
Paro dominated the fight right from the first bell. In the first round, blood began flowing from Navarro’s forehead. His camp were unimpressed with the call, and replays suggested it might have come from a head clash.
But it appeared to have little effect on the outcome of the fight. Paro spent much of the bout dictating terms from the middle of the ring while Navarro skipped around the ropes, landing few blows.
Earlier, fellow Aussie Liam Wilson defeated Argentinian super featherweight Ayrton Gimenez by unanimous decision.
