In the biggest fight in Far North Queensland in Australia since Tim Tszyu boxed Jeff Horn in Townsville, former world champion Liam Paro returns to the ring against Mexico’s Jonathan Navarro while, in the co-main, former world title challenger Liam Wilson boxes undefeated Argentine southpaw Ayrton Giménez.
On the same No Limits bill, Paris 2024 Olympian Callum Peters boxes, as does upcoming talent Kirra Ruston, and the popular Vegas Larfield.
Paro is 25-1 (15 KOs) and fighting for the first time since losing his IBF 140lbs title to Richardson Hitchins in Puerto Rico in December, while the 18-1 (9 KOs) Navarro lost a tough fight to Jair Valtierra in Ireland at the end of 2024.
“It’s good to be back in Australia – and to top it off, in beautiful North Queensland,” said Paro. “You look at this fight card – the talent here is unreal, it’s an absolute cracker. I’m excited to be back and to put on a big show. There are no easy fights – we’re aiming straight for the top, picking up where we left off. I respect Navarro. He’s got good credentials, and anyone who knows the Mexican heritage knows they come to fight. He’ll be there, and the fans are the ones who will win.”
Paro said he is looking to make a statement and has predicted an electric atmosphere.
“I’d love to bring a world title back to North Queensland one day,” he added. “Navarro’s the right opponent at the right time. He’s young, he’s hungry – we’re both in our prime. We’ve both only had one blemish on our records, and this fight could skyrocket either of us. I only just found out we both represented our countries at the same Youth World Championships in Bulgaria. He can fight – and that’s what I love. I won’t get out of bed for easy fights. Right now, the only thing I’m focused on is him. The target is locked strictly on Navarro – nothing else matters.”
Navarro comes from a fighting family. His uncles, cousins and brother have all fought.
“It’s just in our blood,” he said. “I’ve got great experience, a strong amateur background, travelled the world, represented the USA – and I’m excited for this opportunity and for the fight. Coming back from a break, this is a huge moment. Fighting a guy like Paro, with his name, this is a big fight. Having him on my résumé would open so many doors. He’s a great fighter.”
In another 10-rounder, the often-exciting Wilson – coming off two wins over Youssef Dib – and having fought the likes of Oscar Valdez and Emmanuel Navarrete, will looking to improve his 15-3 (8 KOs) record.
“Ayrton Giménez is a good fighter with a strong record, but I’ve fought the best of the best,” said Wilson. “I’ve tested myself, I’ve failed in front of you guys, but I’ve brought myself back, and I’m here on Wednesday night to win – and to move on to bigger and better things. That means a world title fight with Emanuel Navarrete. I’ve wanted that rematch since the day I lost – two years ago – and it hasn’t left my mind. He’s a hell of a fighter, a world champion then and still a world champion now for a reason. If he doesn’t give me the rematch, I’ll fight my way into position and force it. But first, I must win on Wednesday. Giménez is a mover, he uses the ring well, but I think it’ll be an interesting fight. He brings something I haven’t faced before in the pros, but I don’t think he’s faced anything like me either. We’ll see which team puts together the better plan – and we’ll see the outcome on fight night.”
For his part, Giménez said he is expecting “a great fight.”
“I’ve seen Wilson – he’s a great boxer with a strong background in the sport. But I see this as a big opportunity for me, and I’m ready to take it. My goal is to fight hard and enjoy it. That’s what I’m here to do on Wednesday night.”