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Paddy Donovan to face former champion in IBF welterweight eliminator
Liam Paro and Paddy Donovan have reportedly agreed terms to fight in a final eliminator for the IBF welterweight title at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia on Friday January 16.
Paro (27-1, 16 KOs) won the same title by outpointing Subriel Matias in June last year before losing it in his very next fight, when dropping a split decision to Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has rebounded with two wins on home soil and bids to force a shot at his old belt by taking on Donovan early next year.
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Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) was famously disqualified when well on top in his Irish derby with Lewis Crocker in March, before losing a narrow split decision in the rematch for this same, then vacant, title six months later.
The Limerick southpaw is desperate for another crack at Crocker and he will travel to Paro’s hometown in an attempt to secure another tilt at the belt.
“There has been an agreement reached,” No Limit’s George Rose told Boxing Scene.
“While it hasn’t been officially signed off, everything has been agreed on. A man’s handshake is pretty much as good as a contract – that’s where we’re at right now. It is agreed – it’s going ahead.
“Liam Paro will be fighting Paddy Donovan. This will be a final eliminator for that world title, and I’m stoked for Paro, because the journey he’s had – becoming a world champion [at junior welterweight], losing his world title and then fighting his way back to position, we’ve been really excited for him to be on this journey to get back to where he belongs, and this is the fight that puts him there."
There is a lot to like about Liam Paro vs. Paddy Donovan
Chis Oliver, DAZN News boxing writer
Liam Paro vs. Paddy Donovan is a cracking contest between two skilful southpaws to look forward to early in 2026.
January is already looking like a busy one and this is a great addition to the schedule, with Donovan making the long journey Down Under adding another dimension to an already intriguing fight.
After dominating the first fight until his disqualification, Donovan was a huge favourite for his rematch with Crocker and this gives him an immediate opportunity to get back on track.
For Paro, he will be delighted to get this one not only in Australia, but also in his back yard of Brisbane. His victory over Matias in Puerto Rico was impressive and he will be full of confidence after a clear points victory over the previously unbeaten David Papot.
This looks like a well-matched contest between two smart operators and it’s one I am very much looking forward to.
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