Liam Paro scored a huge upset as he defeated Subriel Matias to win the IBF super-lightweight title.
The event was taking place in Puerto Rico and serving as a huge homecoming for Matias, but Paro spoiled the party by earning a unanimous decision win to clinch world honours.
The judges had it 115-112, 115-112, 116-111, with Paro coming out on top despite suffering a point deduction, ensuring that Australia has a new world champion at 140lbs.
The victory sees Paro extend his unbeaten record to 25-0, and he revealed after the fight that he was dedicating the win to one of his friends who had recently passed.
“We did it. I made a promise to my friend who passed away. I’m a man of my word. To all the people who said I couldn’t do it, it’s Paro time.”
The event was put together by Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, and Hearn was stunned by the incredible performance from Paro.
“It wasn’t even close. It was a masterclass from Liam Paro. To come to Puerto Rico. The backyard of the guy that nobody wanted to fight. That is a massive win for Liam Paro and a massive win for Australian boxing.”
The win for Paro opens the door for some huge fights moving forward, including potential unifications against other champions in the division.
The WBC title is currently held by Devin Haney, who is expected to defend against mandatory challenger Sandor Martin later this year, while the WBO belt is wrapped round the waist of Teofimo Lopez, who returns against Steve Claggett later this month.
The WBA title is held by Isaac Cruz after he defeated Rolly Romero in March, with Cruz making his first defence against Jose Valenzuela on the Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov card in August.
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