Donovan Withdraws from Eliminator Against Paro: Reason Revealed

Irish boxer Paddy Donovan has announced that he will not proceed with the IBF welterweight title eliminator against Liam Paro due to the flu. The promotional company No Limit Boxing also confirmed that this matchup is officially off.

The fight was scheduled for January 16 in Brisbane, Australia. The winner was set to face the undefeated Briton Lewis Crocker (22-0, 11 KOs).

Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) fought Crocker twice in 2025—losing on both occasions.

Paro (27-1, 16 KOs) reacted to the news:

“It’s very disappointing that the fight was canceled. I went through a full training camp, brought in world-class sparring partners for preparation, and did everything right. I was ready to put on a show in Brisbane. When it’s taken away this close, of course, it stings.

To be honest, it feels like he never wanted this fight. Signing the contract took forever, and now he’s pulling out because of the flu. I’ve gone through training camps before even while sick.

I was approaching the fight in shape, confident, and ready to make a statement, and maybe he saw that. He would have just become a statistic on my record anyway. My focus hasn't changed one bit. I’m coming for Lewis Crocker and the world title. I will be a two-division champion,” Paro said.