Liam Paro vs. Paddy Donovan final eliminator set

Liam Paro will face Ireland’s Paddy Donovan in a final eliminator for the IBF welterweight title on January 16 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia. The matchup will take place on the undercard of the grudge clash between Michael Zerafa and Nikita Tszyu, headlining a strong No Limit Boxing event.

No Limit’s George Rose confirmed the fight, saying all terms have been agreed. “Liam Paro will be fighting Paddy Donovan. This will be a final eliminator for that world title, and I’m stoked for Paro,” Rose said. “The journey he’s had – becoming a world champion, losing his title, and fighting his way back – we’ve been really excited for him to get back to where he belongs. This is the fight that puts him there.” Rose added that Donovan would be introduced “to Queensland and sent home with another loss,” predicting Paro’s return to the top.

Paro previously held the IBF junior welterweight title before losing to Richardson Hitchins in December. Since moving up to welterweight, he has scored victories over Jonathan Navarro and David Papot, and now stands one win away from another world title opportunity. “It’s exciting,” Paro said. “I believe I’ve got the tools – I’ll stay disciplined and get it done. He’s a good boxer, a bit more conventional, but I’ve got to execute the game plan. It’s a blessing to be back on home soil. Two-time world champion here, in Australia.”

Donovan enters the fight after falling short against Lewis Crocker for the then-vacant IBF title in September. Having lost twice to his countryman, including a disqualification defeat in March, he now travels into hostile territory seeking redemption against Paro. “This is a very tough fight,” Rose admitted. “I thought Paddy looked the better in that fight [against Crocker], but mark my words – Liam Paro’s a world champion and he’ll be back at the top.”

The card also features several notable domestic bouts. After Paro and Donovan square off, Tszyu and Zerafa will meet in a 157-pound catchweight main event. In supporting action, Australian heavyweights Demsey McKean and Toese Vousiutu will collide, and Liam Wilson will compete in a junior lightweight bout against an opponent yet to be announced.