Liam Paro is on the cusp of Australian boxing history – and the Queensland warrior is carrying far more than world-title dreams into his blockbuster showdown with unbeaten champion Lewis Crocker.
The Mackay southpaw will fight for the IBF welterweight crown next Wednesday night in Brisbane, with Paro primed to emulate the legendary Jeff Fenech as Australia’s first two-division world champion in 39 years.
But beyond the bright lights and belts, Paro says his biggest fight is helping tackle the mental-health crisis that rocked his own life after the shock death of his best mate Regan Grieve in 2015.
Paro has joined forces with Queensland Origin legend Greg Inglis and his Goanna Academy, which has launched its “Stick With It” campaign aimed at encouraging Australians to reach out during dark times.
“It’s unbelievable,” Paro said.
“When I got the opportunity to work with Greg Inglis and the Goanna Academy, anyone who knows me knows mental health is very close to home and it’s a movement that needs more recognition.
“We need to stick with it.”
Paro’s involvement with Inglis’ foundation comes from a deeply personal place.
On Australia Day in 2015, Paro was left devastated by the tragic loss of Grieve, who was just 18 and on the path to NRL stardom with the North Queensland Cowboys.
“It was the hardest period of my life,” Paro said of Grieve’s death.
“He was like a brother to me. We used to talk about everything and it was a battle he didn’t let anyone know what was going on, so it shows how serious it is in Australia and in the world.
“Men’s mental health is crazy and it’s something we need to shine more light on.
“Working with Greg on this is something I will never let go.”
The timing could not be more poignant.
Seven days out from the biggest fight of his life, Paro (27-1) is chasing immortality against undefeated Belfast brawler Crocker (22-0) as he looks to become the first Australian-born male fighter since Fenech in 1987 to win world titles in two divisions.
“It’s crazy,” Paro said.
“The only other Australian-born fighter to be a two-division world champion is Jeff Fenech.
“I’m a week away from making that a reality and writing my name in the history books forever – but I have to seal the deal first.”
Inglis lauded Paro’s courage inside and outside the ring as the former Maroons skipper urged all Australians to reach out for help with their mental health.
“Liam is up for his world title fight and you can see him wearing the Queensland Maroons shirt,” Inglis said.
“The Goanna Academy is about preventing mental health issues and our campaign is about sticking with your mates through bad times.
“Your life is worth living. You are valued and you have loved ones around you who care deeply for you.
“Having a chat with Liam, he is just another person with his own story to tell.
“I hope he steps into the ring next week and walks out with the belt … no pressure.”
Paro, who overcame Frenchman David Papot (30-1-1) last September in his debut at welterweight, says Crocker will be shocked by his power.
“Now I’m a fully-fledged welterweight,” he said.
“I want the best Crocker because he will get the best Liam Paro.
“I’m the all-round better boxer.
“It doesn’t look like I whack hard until you get on the receiving end.
“Ask anyone who has been in the gym and shared the ring with me and they will tell you.
“He has the belt, he is undefeated, so you have to respect him, but Wednesday night you will see a new world champion.”