Boxer Liam Paro breaks own hands, then opponents will, in brave win

The world title plans of Brisbane’s boxing sensation Liam Paro have been put on ice along with his two badly damaged hands after his brave win over Massimiliano Ballisai on Saturday night.

The world title plans of Brisbane’s boxing sensation Liam Paro have been put on ice along with his two badly damaged hands after his brave 10-round decision over Italian champion Massimiliano Ballisai in Mackay on Saturday night.

Paro, 22, the world No. 4 junior-welterweight (63.5kg), won every round against the rugged Turin veteran despite fearing that both his hands were broken by round five.

Liam Paro fought through the pain to win every round against Massimiliano Ballisai. Picture: Peter Wallis

He and his team will consult Brisbane orthopaedic specialist Dr Ken Cutbush Monday for treatment ahead of his next fight against undefeated Turkish Olympian Fatih Keles.

Paro looked like he was on his way to stopping the aggressive Ballisai, but at the end of round four the slick southpaw told his corner he thought his left hand was broken.

At the end of round five he said his right hand was gone.

But for the next five rounds Paro carried on courageously, defying the pain to win every round and take the decision 100-90 (10 rounds to nil) on all three scorecards.

BREAKING: Mackay’s Liam Paro has taken out the WBO World Title the hard way after a stifling 10 round bout in front of a home crowd, 16/0 undefeated @7NewsMackay pic.twitter.com/cGRETDn0hF

— Charmaine Mifsud (@charmifsud2) February 16, 2019

Paro was hoping to face America’s WBO world champ Maurice Hooker by Christmas but promoter Angelo Di Carlo said the Coorparoo wizard’s next fight with world No. 9 Keles may now be delayed because of Paro’s need for treatment.

“We had X-rays done immediately after the fight in Mackay and we are now going to see Dr Cutbush in Brisbane for an expert opinion,’’ Di Carlo said.

“Liam’s hands were so badly swollen that we couldn’t pull the gloves off after the fight, they had to be cut off.

Boxer Liam Paro pictured training at the Coorparoo Boxing Gym, will take a break from the ring to heal his broken hands. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

“His next opponent Fatih Keles is a tremendous fighter so we can’t take any risks with Liam going into the bout less than 100 per cent ready.

“We believe Liam can follow Jeff Horn to a world championship but he won’t be fighting again until we’re sure his hands are right.’’

Paro was given a rousing reception inside the sold-out Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre in his first big fight in his hometown. He dedicated the win to childhood pal Regan Grieve, the Cowboys rugby league prospect who tragically took his own life on Australia Day 2015.

On Saturday night’s undercard, another Mackay product Tysinn Best retained his Australian welterweight title, stopping Dillon Bargero in Round 4.

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