Matchroom Boxing will host their first card in Australia in September when WBO number one ranked junior welterweight contender Liam Paro 22-0 (13) takes on world-rated Brock Jarvis 20-0 (18).
The 24-year-old Jarvis from Sydney will be fighting in his fifth weight class in as many fights. He is ranked number 13 by the WBO and IBF number eight at super featherweight.
The Jeff Fenech-trained Jarvis is coming off a fifth-round knockout victory over Alejandro Frias Rodriguez 13-6-2 (6) in his US debut in October in a bout that saw him badly rocked.
Brisbane’s Paro, 26, made his own US debut when he scored a split decision victory over previously undefeated Yomar ‘The Magic’ Alamo 20-1-1 (12) of Puerto Rico in Tampa, Florida last December.
“My rankings speak for themselves, I’ve taken no short cuts to get here,” said Paro. “I ain’t losing to a guy who isn’t on my level. His team will quickly realize that they’ve made the wrong move chasing a fight with me. On fight night I’ll show you why I’m rated number one.”
“Matchroom Boxing is the biggest promotional company in the world and it’s fantastic that they are coming to Australia,” said Jarvis. “I’m really proud and excited to be part of their first event here and I’m looking forward to putting on a show for everyone.”
“I’ve worked with Brock since he was a young kid and take it from me he can go all the way in this sport,” said Jarvis’ trainer, manager and former three-weight World champion Jeff Fenech. “I know what he is capable of and I wouldn’t have taken this fight if I didn’t have 100% confidence in him. It’s a great fight for Brock to take his career to the next level.”
“We are excited for Liam to be headlining Matchroom’s first ever show in Australia,” said Paro’s manager, Alfie DiCarlo. “As for the fight, Liam has worked hard to move up the rankings to number one. He did that by facing world-rated fighters and tough international competition. Brock is in for a real test; he’s bitten off more than he can chew.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn will formally unveil the first event at a press conference on Friday in Queensland and undercard plans are already in full swing with rising heavyweight star Demsey McKean 21-0 (13) and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Skye Nicolson 4-0 the first fighters confirmed for the supporting cast for what promises to be a memorable night.
“I am so excited to kick-off this new era for Matchroom in Australia,” Hearn said. “Australian fans are so passionate about sport and boxing is on the rise here, so I have no doubt that they will embrace the fight nights that we put on and join us in creating unforgettable nights that showcase this country as one of the key players for the sport globally.
“In order to put on great nights, you need to make exciting fights, and our first main event Down Under promises to be explosive stuff. Liam and Brock are only ever in thrilling bouts and the winner will be in prime position to hunt for a world title fight later in the year.”