Two Australian boxers will be able to stake their respective claims as world title contenders when they get their opportunity to shine on separate world title undercards.
Undefeated junior welterweight Liam ‘The Prodigy’ Paro 23-0 (14) has been matched against one-time hot prospect Montana ‘Too Pretty’ Love 18-1-1 (9) on the undercard of the WBC 140-pound title clash between champion Regis Prograis 29-1 (24) and challenger Devin Haney 30-0 (15) at Chase Center in San Francisco, California on December 9.
The 27-year-old Brisbane southpaw missed out on a shot at Prograis in June due to injury. He will be having his first fight since October last year when he blasted out Jeff Fenech-trainer Brock Jarvis in a single round.
“Love is just another guy trying to get in the way of where I want to be and I’m not going to settle for that,” said Paro. “Next year, I want that world title! But for now, December 9 is only thing on my mind.”
Cleveland, Ohio’s Love, 28, has not stepped foot in a prize ring since his disastrous fight against another Australian, Steve Spark last November. After being dropped by Spark, Love pushed his opponent over the top rope in the sixth round to lose by disqualification.
Love wants to put that loss behind him.
“When you pray for rain you, gotta deal with the mud,” said Love. “December 9, Love hurts.”
The following month IBF number nine super middleweight contender Rohan Murdock 27-2 (19) will take on WBC number one, WBA number two and IBF number three contender Christian Mbilli 25-0 (21) on the card headlined by the WBC, WBO and IBF light heavyweight title defence of Artur Beterbiev 19-0 (19) against Callum Smith 29-1 (21) at Centre Vidéotron in Quebec City, Canada on January 13 at the Centre.
The 31-year-old Murdock from the Gold Coast was last in action in March when he won a 10-round split decision over Issac Hardman in Sydney.
“I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to the challenge,” said Murdock. “I have been in enemy territory before and learned my lessons. I know what it takes to win at this level, and on January 13, I will emerge victorious.”
Cameroon-born Frenchman Mbilli, 28, has made Canada his second home with the Murdock fight being his 14th fight there.
Mbilli has fought twice this year, winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Carlos Gongora in March and knocking out Demond Nicholson in four in September.
Murdock is a different proposition, but one Mbilli says he is ready for.
“Rohan Murdock is a quality opponent with a completely different style from my recent opponents,” said Mbilli. “It will also be an opportunity to gain new fans before my crowning as a world champion.
“I look forward to starting training camp and can’t wait to be in Quebec on January 13 to wow the crowd!”