Liam Paro will need more than pressure to trouble Devin Haney, according to Billy Dib. The former world champion believes the Australian’s southpaw stance, boxing intelligence and physical strength could make the matchup competitive, but says disciplined aggression would be essential against an opponent capable of punishing openings.
Joining Ahmad Elhawli on Raw Sport, Dib was responding to reports of an agreement for Paro to face Haney. His assessment was optimistic about Paro’s ability without understating the challenge. Rather than predicting a straightforward Australian victory, he described a contest in which decision-making, positioning and the timing of attacks could matter more than the volume of punches thrown.
Dib sees Paro as a different proposition from George Kambosos, whose meetings with Haney came up during the discussion. In Dib’s view, Paro is a more technical fighter, while his southpaw stance adds another problem to solve. That comparison was not a dismissal of Kambosos; Dib emphasised that he also regards him as a good fighter.
The central tactical question is how Paro creates attacking opportunities without becoming an easy target. Dib argued that simply sitting back would allow Haney to control the exchanges. Paro would have to take calculated risks, use his range and choose moments to close the distance, while retaining enough defensive discipline to avoid being picked off.
That is why Dib expects a “very tactical battle” rather than an explosive exchange from the opening bell. He sees both boxers as capable technicians and warned that increasing the work rate alone would not solve the problem. Against a sharp countering opponent, aggression needs to be supported by intelligent entries and exits.
The pair’s sparring history offers context, but Dib cautioned against treating it as a reliable forecast. He said both fighters had developed since those sessions and that familiarity could make each more careful about how he approached the contest. Knowing an opponent’s habits is useful; assuming an old gym encounter guarantees the same outcome is another matter.
Physical size was another point of interest. Answering a viewer’s question, Dib said he believes Paro has filled out at welterweight and would present a closer physical match for Haney than Kambosos did. He also pointed to Paro’s experience travelling for fights and the value of a team that prepares properly overseas. Those factors, in his assessment, give Paro a foundation for the challenge, rather than a guarantee of success.
The conversation then turned to Nikita Tszyu’s proposed American debut, where Dib’s message was that the transition would depend heavily on matchmaking and technical development. He regarded the overseas move as a natural next step, but questioned how Tszyu would cope with opponents who use movement to deny him the exchanges he prefers.
Dib said a fighter willing to stand and trade would suit Tszyu better than a mobile opponent. His concern was not simply whether Tszyu could land hard punches, but whether he could consistently create opportunities against someone determined to move, reset and make him chase. Asked about world-title potential, Dib declined to give a definitive answer and said the level of opposition would make the task difficult.
Across both Australian storylines, Dib returned to the importance of matching ambition with a realistic understanding of style. For Paro, he sees an opportunity that demands patience, judgement and carefully chosen risks. For Tszyu, he sees a move that could expose areas still needing work. Watch the full Raw Sport episode below for Dib’s complete breakdown and the wider boxing discussion.