Although the WBO recently ordered Liam Paro and Jose Ramirez to fight each other, Paro has now been able to fight directly for a title due to Matchroom’s most recent signing, Regis Prograis. As Prograis currently holds the WBC title, Paro is now in pole position to become a world champion if he can defeat the American champion in their June 17 bout.

While Jose Ramirez (28-1, 18 KO’s), who is signed to Top Rank, was in talks to negotiate a fight with Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KO’s) in a Super Lightweight Final Eliminator to decide the next mandatory challenger for the winner between Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KO’s) and Teofimo Lopez (18-1, 13 KO’s), Regis Prograis’ (28-1, 24 KO’s) signing with Matchroom/DAZN has changed the situation entirely.

As Liam Paro is also signed to Matchroom, it was easy to arrange a match between the two fighters, as evident by the quick announcement of their upcoming fight. While Liam Paro was previously ordered to face the #1 contender in the WBO’s Super Lightweight rankings, Arnold Barboza Jr. (28-0, 10 KO’s), Jose Ramirez became the next fighter mandated to face Liam Paro as of roughly a week ago, until Prograis entered the picture.

The match provides both fighters with an opportunity to showcase their skills to a global audience through Matchroom’s main broadcaster/network, DAZN. Regis Prograis will be defending his title for the first time since winning it against Jose Zepeda (35-3, 27 KO’s) — when the WBC title had been left vacant— in November of 2022, while Liam Paro finally gains the opportunity to become a world champion after never having had a chance until the WBO’s order for him to fight in their Final Eliminator against Barboza Jr.

Regis Prograis will be Liam Paro’s toughest challenge by far, due to his experience at the top level and his ability, which allowed him to become a two-time world champion. The American Junior Welterweight has only one loss on his record, which was attributed to the former undisputed champion at 140 pounds, Josh Taylor.

While Liam Paro’s toughest opponent has arguably been his countryman Brock Jarvis (21-1, 19 KO’s), Regis Prograis will be a steep challenge to overcome, but the Australian does not lack for skills or confidence.

“I have been dreaming about fights like this my whole life,” Paro said, according to the press release from Matchroom that officially announced the fight. “What better way to make a mark on the 140lbs division than by taking out the top guy? This is what it’s all about. I’m coming.“

Liam Paro will face Regis Prograis in the USA on June 17th at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Prograis’s hometown.