Australian boxing fans could be set for an all-time year in 2022 as powerhouse promoter Matchroom Boxing looks to expand down under.
Undefeated super-lightweight Liam Paro is the latest Aussie to join the Matchroom stable ahead of what is expected to be a bumper year for the sport in this country.
Paro, 25, improved his record to 22-0 when he edged a split-decision victory over the previously undefeated Yomar Alamo on Jake Paul's undercard.
The Queenslander is currently ranked third in the world at 140-pounds with the WBO and IBF and is eyeing off big things in the near future.
"I’m delighted to sign with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing in what is a major move for my career," said Paro.
"I’m excited to be a part of their expansion into Australia but their global platform also allows me to box in key markets such as the US and UK.
"With Matchroom and Ace Boxing Group behind me I know I have the right team to make big moves in the 140 pound division.
"I’m right on the verge of fighting for the World Title and I look forward to bringing more boxing glory back to Australia."
Another big 🇦🇺 signing for us! Welcome to the Team 22-0, IBF and WBO #3 @ParoLiam 🔥 @daznboxing pic.twitter.com/4n5sTXTYcB
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) December 28, 2021
Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn spoke about Paro following the announcement.
"This is another big signing for us in the Australian market but also on the global stage," said Hearn.
"Liam is one of the best 140 pounders out there right now and at just 25 has already ranked up a perfect 22-0 record.
"Liam will be boxing all over the world but will be also be a big part of our Australian shows in 2022."
Those Australian shows are expected to feature at least some, if not all, the locals signed by Matchroom in recent times.
Olympian Skye Nicolson has turned professional and signed with the promoter, heavyweight Demsey McKean, fresh from sparring the likes of Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, is on board, as is Jeff Fenech-trained lightweight Brock Jarvis.
Unified lightweight champion George Kambosos pulled off his recent upset win over Teofimo Lopez on a Matchroom card but is not signed with the company.
Kambosos, represented by promoter Lou DiBella, is currently weighing up options for his next bout.
The 28-year-old has already stated his intention to do a stadium show in Australia - Devin Haney, in a title unification bout, or Vasyl Lomachenko are the two front-runners.
Kambosos took to Twitter this week with a poll asking followers who he should fight next.
After more than 40,000 votes, Lomachenko led with 41 per cent of the votes, while Haney was in second with 35 per cent.
After
Haney, Lomachenko, Tank, Garcia???? Whose NEXT!!! I want them all 🏟🇦🇺 Who do the great fans want to see me defend my crown against in 2022.
— George "Ferocious" Kambosos Jr (@georgekambosos) December 28, 2021
Wherever Kambosos lands, the fight is sure to be a blockbuster and Hearn and Matchroom will almost certainly be keen to put it on.
Speaking after Kambosos' win over Lopez last month, Hearn stated his desire to hold a show headlined by the local boy in Sydney.
"Love to work with George. Would love to take him to Australia," Hearn said.
"Hopefully it's the Devin Haney fight because hopefully he wants to win the final belt and he'll believe he can win that.
"We'll do it in Vegas, we'll do it in Sydney, don't matter."
Meanwhile, Australian fight fans will have bouts from the likes of Justis Huni, Tim Tszyu, Harry Garside and more to look forward to in the first quarter of 2022. Strap in.
