Subriel Matias returns to Puerto Rico to defend his IBF super-lightweight title on Saturday, and his opponent Liam Paro has revealed his tactics ahead of the encounter.
Matias is regarded as one of the best 140lb fighters on the planet, boasting a record of 20-1, with all 20 of his wins coming by knockout.
He signed with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing earlier this year, and is now set for their first fight together when he meets Paro, who heads into the bout with an unbeaten record of 24-0.
The Australian is seen as a big underdog in the fight, but he has explained just how he plans on upsetting the odds and becoming world champion this weekend.
“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. [My trainer] 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.
“We’ve worked on some game plans, Alfie has the best boxing IQ in the game, I won’t share too much but obviously I’m not going to stand and 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.”
Paro also dismissed any concerns that he could come up short if the fight goes the distance, due to travelling to the backyard of Matias.
“It’s a world title fight and you shouldn’t expect anything but a hard night’s work, 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.
“The IBF is a great organisation and I believe it’ll be a fair shot, so it’ll be up to me and him, and who wants it the most on the night. If that’s the case and it goes 12 rounds, I’ve got the boxing ability to be ahead on the cards.
“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.”
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