Paddy Donovan has called for a shot at IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro after stopping Tyrone McKenna in the fifth round at Croke Park.
Donovan controlled the fight before a cut over McKenna’s right eye forced the stoppage. The victory strengthened his position as the IBF’s No. 1 welterweight contender.
“Liam Paro has the belt and I want the belt,” Donovan said. “I’m ready to fight anybody. I’ve earned my stripes to become a world champion, so let’s have it.”
The Limerick fighter has rebuilt after two defeats to Lewis Crocker, returning with a majority-decision win over Karen Chukhadzhian in May before beating McKenna.
Paro won the IBF title with a unanimous-decision victory over Crocker in June and is now firmly in Donovan’s sights.
“I’m confident of beating any single welterweight in the world,” Donovan said. “Anywhere, any place, any time.”
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing