An IBF welterweight title eliminator between Liam Paro and Paddy Donovan has been scrapped just weeks into 2026 after Donovan was forced to withdraw due to illness.
Donovan reportedly pulled out after coming down with the flu. The winner was expected to move directly into world title contention, with the eliminator positioned as a pathway toward the IBF welterweight belt.
Paro (27-1, 16 KOs) expressed deep frustration over the cancellation, noting that he had completed a full training camp and brought in elite sparring partners in preparation. The Australian southpaw was aiming to build on momentum from his successful welterweight debut in September, when he outpointed unbeaten David Papot over 12 rounds in Australia.
The bout would have come after significant recent setbacks for both fighters. Paro had rebounded from a narrow loss to Richardson Hitchins that ended his brief IBF junior welterweight title reign, while Donovan (14-2, 12 KOs) was coming off his second consecutive defeat to Lewis Crocker in September.
With the eliminator off, Donovan’s next move remains unclear amid congestion at welterweight. Paro and his team, meanwhile, have shifted focus back to securing a world title opportunity. Paro made clear his ambitions remain unchanged, insisting he is targeting a future clash with Lewis Crocker and a second world championship.
Despite the late setback, the January 16 Brisbane card will go ahead as planned, headlined by Tszyu vs. Zerafa, with several other bouts still intact.
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