Liam Paro reacts to Paddy Donovan withdrawing from title eliminator

Liam Paro vs Paddy Donovan was set to be the chief support to Nikita Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa on January 16 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. No Limit Boxing have now announced that Donovan has withdrawn from the IBF welterweight title eliminator due to illness.

Liam Paro vs Paddy Donovan Jan. 16 bout cancelled

Paddy Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) was moving through the welterweight division with style and poise before he met Lewis Crocker. In their first bout, Donovan was closing in on a stylish victory when he knocked Crocker down after the bell at the end of the eighth round. It was deemed one infringement too many for referee Marcus McDonnell, who disqualified Donovan, with The Real Deal in front on all scorecards, which read 67-65, 69-63, 69-63.  Donovan also lost a razor-close split decision in the rematch.

Paro (31-2, 16 KOs) lost his IBF super lightweight title to Richardson Hitchins, but has won his last two fights against Jonathan Navarro and David Papot. Paro holds notable wins over Subriel Matias and Montana Love, and a showdown with Donovan would have been a fascinating clash of styles.

Paro reacts to Donovan withdrawal

The withdrawal of Donovan means that Liam Paro vs Paddy Donovan is no more. A new opponent for Paro is being sought, but the Aussie fighter has made it clear he’s not happy about Donovan pulling out of the fight:

“I’ve put in a full camp, flown world-level sparring over to prepare, and done everything right,” said Paro. “I was ready to put on a show in Brisbane. When it’s taken away this close, of course, it stings.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frustrated. I was ready to go, and he pulled out, simple as that. I was prepared for the toughest version of Paddy Donovan, and now he’s gone,” said Paro.

Liam Paro vs Paddy Donovan – Paro slams Irishman’s withdrawal

Slamming Donovan’s withdrawal, Paro said: 

“To be honest, it feels like he never wanted the smoke,” said Paro. “He took forever to sign the contract and now pulls out with the flu. I’ve battled through training camps before with sickness, including for the Matias world title, but fighter’s fight.

“I was coming in fit, confident, and ready to make a statement, and maybe he saw that. He was just going to be a statistic on my record anyways. As frustrating as it is, that’s boxing. We stay in the gym grinding, and I know God always has a greater plan.

“My focus hasn’t changed one bit. I’m coming for Lewis Crocker and the world title next. I will be a two-time and two-division champion. This is just a delay, not the destination. I’ll reset, stay sharp, and be ready for the world title next. I should not and cannot be denied.”

With Liam Paro vs Paddy Donovan cancelled, it appears a new opponent will be found for the Aussie fighter, and he will continue on the card, but what next for Donovan? A highly-skilled fighter, but coming off the back of two defeats to Lewis Crocker, the next move for him is vital.