Liam Paro’s Impressive Comeback
In a compelling return to the ring, Liam Paro delivered an impressive performance against Jonathan Navarro, earning a TKO victory in their welterweight clash held at the Cairns Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia. This bout marked Paro’s first appearance since he lost his IBF super lightweight title to Richardson Hitchins in December 2022.
Match Summary
Paro demonstrated his dominance throughout the match, utilizing powerful jabs and effective body shots to control the pace from the onset. Initially relying on his southpaw stance, he asserted himself early on, while Navarro primarily attempted to counter Paro’s assaults instead of mounting an offensive strategy of his own. By the end of round five, it was apparent that Navarro, who had a record of 18 wins and 2 losses (with 9 KOs), was struggling to keep up with Paro’s relentless onslaught.
The decisive moment came in the closing moments of the fifth round when Paro unleashed a devastating left hand that sent Navarro to the canvas.
Despite quickly regaining his feet, Navarro became increasingly vulnerable to Paro’s attacks for the remainder of the round. Although he managed to stay upright, Paro continued to find success with his left-hand shots, further unsettling his opponent. Facing mounting pressure and injury, including noticeable damage to his nose, Navarro ultimately did not continue into the sixth round, as his corner decided to retire him.
Paro’s Future Aspirations
Paro’s record now stands at 26 wins and 1 loss (with 16 KOs) following this victory, which also marked his first fight in Australia since an earlier win against Brock Jarvis in October 2022. After achieving a significant upset in Puerto Rico to claim the IBF title by beating Subriel Matias, Paro lost the belt during his initial defense.
Now a free agent after four bouts with Matchroom Boxing, Paro has agreed to a one-fight deal with No Limit Promotions for this homecoming event, where he expressed interest in potential future matchups against big names such as Teofimo Lopez, Ryan Garcia, or Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. Additionally, with a current ranking of No. 4 by the WBO, Paro emphasized his ambition to reclaim a world title during his post-fight interview, eyeing the chance to become a two-time champion.
