IBF super lightweight champion Subriel Matias attempts to turn back another challenger in the form of Liam Paro on Saturday, June 15.
Fighting in front of his home crowd at the Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico, Matias will look to add to his reputation as one of the sport's most feared finishers.
But what do we know about his opponent?
WATCH: Matias vs. Paro, live on DAZN
Who is Liam Paro? Career stats, record, accomplishments for Australian boxing star
Paro is a 28-year-old boxer from Mackay in Queensland, Australia.
The southpaw boasts an unblemished professional record of 24-0, having risen the rankings while fighting domestically before turning his attention to the rest of the world.
Paro won the national title in 2018 when Andrew Wallace retired ahead of the fourth round.
While still fighting on home soil, Paro defeated a host of international fighters, some of who were unbeaten prior to running into "The Prodigy", collecting regional titles with the IBF and WBO along the way.
It wasn't until late 2021 when Paro began to make a splash on the world stage, overcoming a first-round knockdown to defeat Yomar Alamo on the undercard to Jake Paul's rematch with Tyron Woodley.
Following that fight, Paro signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.
The international boxing powerhouse hosted a maiden Australian show in October 2022, with Paro headlining against Jeff Fenech-trained countryman Brock Jarvis.
After significant back and forth in the build-up, Paro made a statement with a devastating one-punch, first-round knockout of the previously undefeated Jarvis.
Paro was then booked to fight Robbie Davies Jr. in the UK but was forced to withdraw after a pre-fight medical picked up a facial fracture.
He then secured a world title shot against Regis Prograis last June but an Achilles injury saw him miss out on that chance.
Finally, Paro was able to get back in the ring style in December, stopping Montana Love in the sixth round on the back of a sharp uppercut and some nasty follow-up work.
Back in March, Matchroom confirmed Paro would get his long-awaited crack at championship gold against Matias in enemy territory.
MORE: Is Subriel Matias the best super lightweight in the world?
On the fight with Matias, Paro said he's backing his boxing ability to overcome the power and pressure the incumbent champion brings.
"I won’t share too much but obviously I’m not going to stand and trade with the guy," Paro said.
"That’s what he’s banking on, but my boxing IQ is up there as well and we’re going to box the guy.
"If it has to be a fight, it can be a fight too, I’ve got the dog in me.
"I’ve been lucky to win my other fights comfortably but I’ve got that in me and I’m ready for anything."
Liam Paro record and bio
- Nationality: Australian
- Height: 5′8½″/174cm
- Reach: 71″/180cm
- Division: Super lightweight (140lb/63.5kg)
- Born: April 16, 1996 (Aged 28)
- Record: 24-0 with 15 KOs