Australian underdog Liam Paro stuns boxing world to claim world title in slugfest – and dedicates win to his best friend who died

Unsung Australian Liam Paro has shocked the world and dethroned champion Subriel Matias in his home lair to claim the IBF super lightweight world title.

Queenslander Paro was a huge underdog against the powerful Matias in Manati, Puerto Rico on Sunday, but ultimately won by unanimous decision.

“We knew it would be difficult,” Paro said afterwards. ‘…I keep proving everyone wrong. He’s tough, he has twenty knockouts for a reason.

‘…I knew I was entering the lion’s den.’

Queenslander Liam Paro achieved one of the greatest feats in Australian boxing history by winning the IBF junior welterweight title from Subriel Matias in Manati, Puerto Rico

The Australian underdog defeated the Puerto Rican via unanimous decision in front of a rowdy crowd

Paro, 28, shocked many by withstanding Matias’ pressure and unleashing his own combinations.

His sustained jab, uppercuts and combination punches won the day against Matias, who was rarely able to show his famous pressure.

Paro had a point removed in the seventh round for hitting the back of the head.

It was a controversial statement, described by fight commentators as ‘disgraceful’, ‘disgusting’ and ‘ridiculous’.

Luckily for the Australian it didn’t affect the fight.

He made early rounds against the notoriously slow-starting Matias.

While the Puerto Rican boxer landed some powerful flurries, especially in the middle rounds, Paro recovered from the points deduction to clearly win the final few rounds.

Paro has the words ‘Conquer the World’ tattooed on his body to remind him of his mission and the promise he made to his friend to become world champion.

Paro’s childhood friend Regan Grieve – who was an excellent rugby league player – took his own life in 2015. His death left Paro devastated – and the boxer says he now fights to conquer the world in his partner’s memory

It was a mantra he shared with his boyhood mate Regan Grieve, an outstanding rugby league player who captained the Queensland under-18 team and was signed by the North Queensland Cowboys.

Grieve took his own life in 2015 at the age of 18, leaving Paro completely devastated.

“That means a lot to me,” Paro said.

“All we have in this life is our word, and to be a man of mine at the highest level means the world to me.”

‘I’m excited. RG, honey, I made a promise to my late boyfriend, and I’m a man of my word.

‘To all the people who said I couldn’t do it, it’s time for Paro!

“(Matias) hits hard, he’s strong and he has 20 knockouts for a reason. But I’ve been hit harder in life than that. I have the heart of a warrior and I showed it.”