HAVING won his first world title in Puerto Rico travelling to the UK to defend it wouldn’t be a problem for Liam Paro.

The 28-year-old fought outside of his native Australia for the first time in 2021 beating Yomar Alamo by split decision. Two years later Paro was back Stateside to knock out Montana Love and in June produced the fight of his life to defeat Subrial Matias and win the IBF super-lightweight title.

Paro is back at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan on December 7 to make the first defence of his belt against mandatory challenger Richardson Hitchins. Victory will give Paro the opportunity to unify the division in 2025 or take the best paid option available.

Jack Catterall’s hat is in the ring to face Paro after beating Regis Prograis last month. Paro gave his verdict on the fight when he chatted with Boxing News in Philadelphia

“It was a boring fight for the first six rounds but hats off to Catterall he got the job done,” he said.

“Regis is a tremendous fighter. That name Catterall’s been floating around since 2020. We were talking before Covid. So, without a doubt we’re going to square off in the near future.”

BN asked Paro if facing Catterall, who doesn’t hold a title, before one of the champions would frustrate him.

“We’ll just have to wait and see. My mind, like I said is strictly on Hitchins. Who knows, if they dangle some carrots, offer me big money, I’ll go win some more fans in Manchester.”

“I travel all around the world,” he added. “I don’t care where I fight. I’ll fight someone in their backyard. I just love to fight.”