Jeff Horn opponent Rico Mueller hits Australia for Liam Paro

Rico Mueller, the fearless German who brawled through nine ferocious rounds against Jeff Horn in 2016, will be Liam Paro’s main sparring partner for his upcoming world title fight.

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One of Jeff Horn’s toughest opponents is returning to Australia to sharpen Queensland’s world No. 2 Liam Paro for his own world title campaign this year.

Rico Mueller, the fearless German who brawled through nine ferocious rounds against Horn at Chandler in 2016, will be Paro’s main sparring partner ahead of his fight with unbeaten Romanian James Chereji at the Star Casino on the Gold Coast on March 7.

Paro, 23, a slick Mackay-born southpaw, is unbeaten in 18 pro fights and the No. 2 contender for the WBO light-welterweight (63kg) title held by American Jose Martinez. He is expected to fight for the world title by the end of 2020 and is confident Mueller will help him get there.

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Rico Mueller gave Jeff Horn one heck of a fight in 2016.

Paro’s trainer Alfie Di Carlo says the German’s rugged, aggressive style will be the perfect preparation to kickstart his world title campaign.

“Rico gave Jeff Horn a tremendous battle and Liam and I think he will really help for this next fight with Chereji,’’ Di Carlo said.

“The styles aren’t exactly the same as Chereji is more of a boxer than Mueller but the hard sparring will certainly keep Liam strong for what lies ahead in 2020.

Liam Paro has his eyes on a world title.

“It’s a really battle to get top world-class sparring for Liam in Australia especially at this time of the year but Mueller will give us some great work for the two weeks he will spend in Australia.’’

Mueller has won five of his six fights since Horn stopped him in the ninth round at Chandler and in his last bout he went 12 rounds in losing a majority decision in an IBO world title fight.