Ryan Garcia is seeking to take over the welterweight division after winning and defending his WBC world title earlier this year. Despite targeting a unification against Teofimo Lopez to kickstart that plan, another route has presented itself.

Garcia stopped Conor Benn in just two rounds last month as he made his maiden defence of the WBC’s 147lb title, before calling for a unification showdown against WBA champion Lopez.

However, whilst both Garcia and Lopez are keen on the fight, the WBA has since ordered Lopez to first face mandatory challenger Jack Catterall, a decision which Lopez has recently appealed.

As Lopez could well be occupied, IBF welterweight world champion Liam Paro is willing to go toe-to-toe with Garcia, looking to make a first defence as soon as next month and then take on the Californian in early 2027, he told Fox Sports.

“We’re not going to sit on the sideline. 

“I’m going to defend, looking to defend late November, early December with a top-15 opponent, keep busy, and hopefully snag Garcia early next year.”

Paro has fought solely in Australia since moving up from the super-lightweight scene – where he also held the IBF title – boxing Jonathan Navarro at a 144lb catchweight before two decision wins over David Papot and Lewis Crocker, the latter winning him the IBF welterweight crown.

The 30-year-old went on to reveal that he would love to bring Garcia Down Under, for what would be the first welterweight world title unification to ever take place on Australian soil, but added that he would also be willing to head to Las Vegas for the clash.

“I’d love to fight him here, but if it means travelling to Vegas … that’s on my bucket list, to headline in Vegas.

“I’ll go there too. I don’t care. I’ve proved that before.”

As far as Paro’s immediate opponent is concerned, a defence against Ireland’s Paddy Donovan is expected to soon be mandated.