Liam Paro targeting Jack Catterall after latest win

WBO number two ranked junior welterweight contender Liam ‘The Prodigy’ Paro 19-0 (12) delivered a boxing masterclass before stopping previously undefeated Romanian James Chereji 17-1 (7) in eight rounds at The Star on the Gold Coast in Australia on Saturday night.

The 23-year-old Brisbane southpaw consistently backed up the visitor, punishing him with left hands behind the jab and right hooks to the body.

Chereji was lumped up and bruised under the right eye by the mid rounds and Paro refused to let up, repeatedly strafing him with hard shots to the body and head.

The towel came in midway through the eighth round when Paro dropped Chereji with a right to the body.

Next up for Paro could be a world title eliminator against British boxer Jack ‘El Gato’ Catterall 25-0 (13).

“Like I said I had to take care of business like I did tonight,” said Paro, who is also ranked IBF number three. “So now the next thing on our list is a world title.

“I’m in talks with Frank Warren but I don’t want to share too much, but in 2020 I want to give Jack Catterall his first loss and become world champion.”

On the same card WBO number 13 ranked heavyweight Demsey ‘The Tower of Terror’ McKean 18-0 (12) got in some good rounds before scoring a 10th round knockout of American Jonathan Rice 13-5-1 (9).

Rice used his experience to make it difficult for McKean at times, but the Australian settled into his rhythm in the middle rounds and came on strong late, securing the stoppage at 2:58 of the final round.

“I came away with the KO with two seconds to go in the 10th and final round,” McKean posted on social media.

“It was a scrappy last few rounds and had to redeem them rounds to dig deep and to get the stoppage.

“I created history last night in Australia by being the first ever Australian heavyweight to win the very prestigious IBF intercontinental title.

“Stoked with my journey in the short time I’ve been boxing with the great team I have behind me, so I’m excited to see what the future holds.

“Keep working hard and stay focused and anything is possible, goes for everyone and anything in life.”