Liam Paro continues march towards world title with dominant win over Robert Tlatlik

By Ringnews24.com

Liam Paro. Photo: Getty

Anthony CocksAustralian-based boxing journalist Anthony Cocks has been covering the sport for over 15 years for various print and online publications. He refuses to believe that Roberto Duran ever lost to Tommy Hearns and says that Jeff Fenech would destroy Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali on the same night.

WBO number six ranked junior welterweight Liam ‘The Prodigy’ Paro 15-0 (11) had the longest fight of his short career when he stopped tough German Robert Tlatlik 22-2 (16) in seven rounds at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in Brisbane, Australia on Saturday night.

Headlining the Ace Boxing Promotions card live on Fox Sport, the 22-year-old southpaw delivered a dominant display in what was his third 10 round fight – and first to go beyond three rounds.

The WBO Youth champion claimed the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title with the win.

Paro has his sights set on the WBO junior welterweight world championship currently held by American Maurice ‘Mighty Mo’ Hooker 24-0-3 (16) who claimed the vacant strap with a split decision victory over England’s Terry Flanagan 33-1 (16) in Manchester in June.

“My plan is to fight for a world title in 12 to 18 months and I’m right on track,’’ Paro said to the Courier Mail. “Tonight was the toughest fight of my career but I came through it well and I believe that when the time comes I can win the world title too.

“I have terrific support from my family and fans and they are the people I’m fighting for.’’

Tlatlik, 30, continued to come forward all night but couldn’t match the speed or accuracy of the talented Queenslander.

All three judges had Paro ahead 70-63 when Tlatlik retired on his stool after the end of round seven. It was the first stoppage loss in Tlatlik’s pro career.

Paro will fly out to France this week to support teammate Mark ‘Bam Bam’ Flanagan24-5 (17) in his interim WBA cruiserweight title clash against Armenian-born Frenchman Arsen Goulamirian 23-0 (15) in Marseille on Saturday night.

Following that, Paro will travel to Panama for the WBO convention to make his case for boost in the world ratings.