Liam Paro has warned Subriel Matias that he will have to force him into the fight he says the IBF super lightweight champion is hoping for on Saturday.
The Australian challenges Matias at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico.
Matias, 32, from Puerto Rico, was considered the most aggressive fighter at 140 pounds, and Paro – who was denied a chance to fight Regis Prograis for the WBC title due to injury – is not willing to fight alongside him unless he is had a choice.
“We’ve been working on some game plans,” said Paro, 28. “Alfie [Di Carlo, my trainer] he has the best boxing IQ in the game. I won’t reveal too much, but of course I have no intention of trading with him. That’s what he’s hoping for, but my boxing IQ is also high and we’re going to box this guy.
“If it has to be a fight, it can be a fight too, I have a dog in me. I was lucky that I won the remaining fights without any problems, but I have it in me and I’m ready for anything.
“I’m a fighter, and I’m a fighter, and I prove it by not only fighting the most avoided guy in the division, but by going to his backyard to do it. I always said I would fight anyone and I’m showing it. 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 that than by eliminating the number one guy in the division? I didn’t want to miss the effortless way – you want to beat the best, and there’s no better way.
“I’m always quick to look at other fighters in the division, but style makes fight. Alfie Di Carlo has been watching him for four or five years and said our paths would cross and here we are. The day has come and it’s time – time to show the world what I’m all about.”
Paro responded to the disappointment of missing her fight with Prograis in June by impressively stopping Montana Love following Prograis’ December loss to Devin Haney.
“It’s a world title fight and you shouldn’t expect anything other than a challenging night’s work,” he continued. “I’m ready for a 12-round war. I’ll give 110 percent and I’m ready for whatever he throws at me.
“I can adjust on the fly. I have a lot of skill and a high boxing IQ, so I just don’t think anyone boxing is my style. Yes, he has boxed against good opponents and I haven’t boxed anyone like him before, so we’ll see how it goes tonight.”