Fighting in Manati, Puerto Rico against IBF light welterweight champion Subriel Matias, Liam Paro faces a tough challenge. Promoter Eddie Hearn emphasizes the importance of Paro not falling behind early in the fight. Hearn warns that if Paro finds himself down by a significant margin, such as 6-0, it will be challenging for him to rally against the big puncher Matias. Matias is known for his high volume and power, making it difficult for opponents to come back once they are behind. The key for Paro is to establish a lead in the first half of the fight and then focus on boxing Matias in the second half to avoid getting overwhelmed by his potent shots.
Hearn references Matias’ previous fight against Shohjahon Ergashev, who initially found success in the first four rounds but ultimately succumbed to Matias’ power and volume. Although Ergashev is considered a bigger puncher and a superior knockout artist compared to Paro, he was unable to keep Matias at bay. Paro will need to prevent himself from getting worn down in the later rounds, much like Ergashev did. Hearn acknowledges that Paro has never faced a puncher with Matias’ volume before, indicating the significant challenge ahead for the Australian fighter.
As the fight takes place in Matias’ home country, Paro is at risk of getting caught up in the crowd noise and potentially brawling with his opponent early on. Hearn cautions that Paro’s lack of power compared to Matias means that engaging in a brawl could lead to disaster. It is imperative for Paro to stick to a game plan that focuses on avoiding early exchanges and conserving energy for the later rounds. While Hearn believes in Paro’s skills and intelligence inside the ring, he acknowledges the uphill battle that lies ahead for the Australian fighter.
Hearn expresses his desire to elevate Matias’ profile in the boxing world, hoping to position him for high-profile matchups against the likes of WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez. However, Hearn recognizes the challenges in convincing top fighters like Lopez to face Matias, given the risks involved. Lopez, who has shown a preference for safer fights recently, may not be willing to take on a dangerous opponent like Matias unless the financial incentives are significant. Hearn’s aspirations for a unification bout between Lopez and Matias may be met with resistance from fighters seeking more lucrative opportunities.
Liam Paro faces a tough test against Subriel Matias, and strategic planning will be crucial for his success in the fight. Avoiding an early deficit, learning from past matchups, and sticking to a game plan will be essential for Paro to overcome the challenges posed by Matias. As the boxing world waits to see how this matchup unfolds, both fighters will need to showcase their skills and resilience to secure victory in this high-stakes battle.