Liam Paro vs. Paddy Donovan Officially Announced

An IBF Welterweight (66.7 kg) eliminator between former world champion from Australia Liam Paro and Irish contender Paddy Donovan has been officially announced.

The fight will take place on January 16 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia.

The winner will become the mandatory challenger to Lewis Crocker, who claimed the full world title in the fall of 2025.

Liam Paro (27-1, 16 KOs) last boxed in September 2025, defeating David Papo by unanimous decision.

Paddy Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) has already faced Crocker twice — once in spring and once in fall of 2025. Donovan lost both fights: the first by disqualification, the second by decision.