Liam Paro vs. David Papot | PPV - September 18, 2025

[Ruthless-RKO]

Liam Paro paired with David Papot in Pat Rafter Arena in September

Former IBF junior welterweight titleholder Liam Paro will face France's David Papot in Brisbane, Australia, on September 18.

The No Limit Boxing show will take place at the Pat Rafter Arena, marking the first time the tennis venue has been used for boxing.

Paro, 26-1 (16 KOs), will be boxing up at welterweight, where, he recently told Boxing Scene, he was open to exploring lucrative opportunities. The Aussie southpaw defeated American Jonathan Navarro in June in Cairns, Australia, having won his world title in Puerto Rico in 2024 with an upset win over Subriel Matias. Paro lost the belt in his first defense to the gifted Richardson Hitchins.

“I’ve been to the top before,” said Paro, from Mackay, Queensland. “I know what it takes to become a champion, but this time it’s about more than a belt. It’s about becoming the name people talk about for years to come. To fight for a world title shot in my home state, in a venue as iconic as Pat Rafter Arena, is something special. David Papot is tough, seasoned and coming here to win — but I’ve sacrificed too much to let this slip. Brisbane, we’re making history, and I’m going to make sure you remember exactly where you were the night it happened.”

Papot is a 30-0-1 (5 KOs) southpaw whose career would be taken to new heights with a win over an ex-titlist.

Papot has boxed just once outside of France, drawing over 12 with James McGirt Jnr in the US in 2019.

Former junior lightweight contender Liam Wilson will also appear on the card.

No Limit CEO George Rose said, “Liam Paro has arrived and this fight is going to be electric. He’s charging back to the top with this massive world title eliminator in his new weight class. He asked us for the biggest fight we could make – and it doesn’t get bigger than a world title eliminator in Queensland, in front of a packed home crowd. Liam’s not just chasing big fights, he wins them. That’s why this one’s so exciting, because it’s the start of another huge chapter for him.

“It’s also great to have Liam Wilson back in Brisbane, where he’s produced some unforgettable nights. He’s a Caboolture boy, just down the road, and he always brings fireworks. This is his third fight this year, and he’ll stop at nothing to get another crack at the world title.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Aussie on brink of QLD world title blockbuster as eliminator bout against unbeaten rival revealed

Liam Paro is on the cusp of headlining a IBF welterweight title blockbuster in Australia - with No Limit’s newest signing now confirmed for a championship eliminator against undefeated Frenchman David Papot in Brisbane on September 18.

The announcement comes as No Limit promoter George Rose has also confirmed the impending Main Event pay-per-view – which will be held inside Pat Rafter Arena -- will include both Liam Wilson and undefeated prospect Paulo Aokuso.

Less than two months after headlining his first No Limit showcase in Cairns, 29-year-old Paro is now back in camp and readying for Papot, who is undefeated in 31 fights.

Should the Mackay southpaw prove victorious, he will then look to become a two-division champion against whoever wins the currently vacant IBF strap -- which will be contested between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan in Belfast, Northern Ireland on September 13.

No Limit will then campaign to host said world title fight in Queensland.

For Paro, the eliminator doubles as his first appearance since confirming a move up from super lightweight, where he previously captured the IBF crown against Subriel Matias in 2024.

While the Queenslander then dropped the strap in his first title defence against American Richardson Hitchins, he has since rebounded with a strong stoppage win over Jonathan Navarro in June.

“I’ve been to the top before and I know what it takes to become a champion,” Paro said.

“But this time, it’s about more than the belt.

“This time it’s about becoming the name people talk about for years to come.

“To fight for a world title shot in my home state, in a venue as iconic as Pat Rafter Arena, is something special.

“David Papot is tough, seasoned, and coming here to win — but I’ve sacrificed too much to let this slip.”

Asked about the eliminator, No Limit CEO Rose said: “Liam Paro has arrived and this fight is going to be electric.

“He’s charging back to the top with this massive world title eliminator in his new weight class.

“He asked us for the biggest fight we could make and it doesn’t get bigger than an eliminator in Queensland, in front of a packed home crowd.

“Liam’s not just chasing big fights, he wins them.

“That’s why this one is so exciting, it’s the start of another huge chapter for him.”

Elsewhere on the card, two-time world title contender Liam Wilson will throw down against undefeated American Carlos Gonzalez (15-0) in a dangerous super featherweight clash.

Explosive light heavyweight prospect Aokuso (7-0) also returns to face American knockout artist Casey Dixon (6-0, 5KOs) in what promises to be an action-packed bout

“And it’s great to have Liam Wilson back in Brisbane, where he’s produced some unforgettable nights,” Rose said.

“He’s a Caboolture boy, just down the road, and always brings fireworks.

“This is his third fight this year and he’ll stop at nothing to get another crack at the world title.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

This month

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!

[Ruthless-RKO]

Weights for the full card are below.

Liam Paro (146.7lbs) vs. David Papot (147lbs) - 12 rounds, IBF welterweight eliminator
Liam Wilson (130lbs) vs. Jorge Santana (129.5lbs) - 10 rounds, junior featherweight
Jacob Ng (153.7lbs) vs. Rikki Naito (153.9lbs) - 6 rounds, junior middleweight
Dharringarra Trewhella (149.3lbs) vs. Lachlan O’Shea (149.5lbs) - 6 rounds, junior middleweight
Sonny Knight (164.9lbs) vs. Ken Aitken (162.2lbs) - 8 rounds, super middleweight
Danny Keating (149.9lbs) vs. Sachin Nautiyal (150.7lbs) - 5 rounds, welterweight
Matthew Hosking (144lbs) vs. Lance McDonald (143lbs) - 4 rounds, welterweight

Weights to come: Floyd Masson vs. Johan Linde - 6 rounds, heavyweight

[Ruthless-RKO]

Homeboy Liam Paro has David Papot, and then Lewis Crocker, in his sights

Liam Paro’s career as a welterweight begins with the prospect of a fight with the IBF champion Lewis Crocker as a potential prize.

The Australian, at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, fights France’s David Papot in an eliminator for the title so recently contested in Paddy Donovan-Crocker II.

Until he vacated it to move up to junior middleweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis was the IBF champion. His departure from the division redefined its landscape and presented opportunities Paro, who so recently moved up from junior welterweight, and others – including his promoters No Limit – will pursue.

After promoting his previous fight, June’s victory over David Navarro at 143lbs, No Limit offered the 29-year-old Paro a long-term contract while presenting to him a plan for him to fight up to four times a year.

The date with Navarro was his first in his home country for over three years. Victory over Papot could yet lead to him challenging Crocker – if it doesn’t, No Limit will continue to build him as an attraction in Australia and Paro will relish no longer living on the road.

“That’s what excited me most about this – it’s not just a phenomenal contract, it’s that I’m about to be home as well,” he told BS. “Build a household name here; become a superstar in my own country. I’m a proud Aussie. I did it abroad – I was a road warrior my whole career. Fighting overseas; earning respect. I get the opportunity to build a massive fanbase here – it’s very exciting. The calibre of fights that No Limit can bring – they’re tight knit with PBC. They’ve done that for Tim Tszyu, and they’re doing it for me now. I’ve got a title eliminator in my first proper fight at welterweight, which is unreal. It shows that they can do what everyone else can do, but they can do it here in Australia.

“I told them my dreams and aspirations and that’s to chase down another title. I had a taste of being world champion at 140 – now I want to do it again at 147. One fight at a time. I’ve got a tough test in Papot first to get through. a household pay-per-view star here in Australia, [and] two-time world champion.

“I was back and forth from McKay – a 10-hour drive away and 1,000km separating [previously me from my family]. I was living between there and [Brisbane] while I was in camp. When I was fighting overseas we were over in the States for 10-12 weeks – we pretty much did our whole camps overseas. Being back in Australia and on home soil, I’ve moved myself and my family [fiance Tyla and daughter Evie], full-time, to Brisbane, just to be around camp so I don’t have to be away. I’m the best when I’m around my family – that’s just how I am – when I’m comfortable and relaxed around them, it works for me. It eases my mind in between fighting – I can really wind down and switch off.

“[Previously] I was trying to see them as much as I could, but it’s too much – especially with No Limit promising me four fights a year. If I’m to take even three fights I’d be away a lot more. It just made sense to move down. We’ve got a beautiful, big house here and it feels like home already.

“It was just getting hard. There’s sacrifices you have to make – I’ve made sacrifices my whole career – living overseas, but having the comfort of having them around a lot more, we’re seeing big differences with it. You know what they say – a happy fighter’s a dangerous one.

“What No Limit offered me was unbelievable – especially in Australia. I couldn’t knock it back. I get to be home with my family a lot more, and become a superstar here – I can become a household name here in Australia, which means a lot to me. I’ve fought abroad a lot – to be able to do that means a lot.”

Asked about his evolution into a full-time welterweight, he responded: “We had a catchweight at 143lbs against Navarro. I felt phenomenal – I felt good. It was there that we realised that the 140lbs [limit] is a little bit out of grasp now – it was just getting too hard. I’m 29 years old; I’m maturing; getting stronger; filling into my ‘man body’. We knew it was coming. We were gonna give it ‘till April [before moving up] at 140lbs, but then we got offered this title eliminator – it pretty much gave us the opportunity to get to a title in the same amount of time, so it was a no-brainer for us. My body’s thanked me for it. I feel phenomenal. I feel really good. Now’s the time to make a statement and make my presence known at 147.

“I wanted to make a job before something bad happened in a fight – something that was very avoidable – because we’d tried to hold on for too long. It was time. I feel a lot healthier; a lot happier. I’m ready to make a mark here – this is my division for years to come.

“I’m feeling better all round. There’s no flat spots; there’s more stamina. I’m already a fit fighter. I’m filling out quick. I see my nutritionist a few weeks ago and he was surprised at how my body’s filled into this. [I’m] a lot less mentally drained, as well – it doesn’t feel like a weight-loss camp. I can relax and enjoy the process a lot more. We still have to cut, but it’s not that gruelling; [it doesn’t] make you question what the hell you’re doing.

“I believe I’m a lot stronger, and I’ve got an opportunity to prove that on Thursday night against David Papot. If I’m dominating an undefeated guy it’s gonna really certify my presence in this division. Any of the sparring partners will tell you – we’re definitely packing a bit more now. My body’s feeling good; I’m feeling healthy and better all round, and I’m excited.”

Paro, regardless of his plans and the appeal of a fight with Ireland’s Crocker, was keen to stress that he is not looking past the 34-year-old, undefeated Papot. If there exists one test of Paro’s physical maturity in him fighting for the first time at welterweight, another – perhaps more telling – test will be presented by Papot, who has previously fought at 160lbs and 154lbs.

“He’s doing something right – he hasn’t been beat yet,” said Paro. “You’ve got to respect an undefeated fighter. He’s crafty. He’s slippery. Saying that – no disrespect – I don’t think he’s fought at the same level I’m at or I’ve fought at. I think he’s fought fringe world-class. I know he’s going to be coming guns blazing – he’s going to come in prepared. This is his world title. This is also my world title at welterweight. We know what’s on the table – we’re fighting for that one seat at the title table. It’s do or die for both of us, so he’s going to come in prepared, we’re expecting that, and we’re coming in 110 per cent prepared also. I’m excited for this fight.

“He’s only had one outing out of France, and that was against [in 2019, James] McGirt a while ago and he drew. We’re going to have to wait and see how he travels. I’ve travelled my whole career – I’ve travelled well. I won a world title in Puerto Rico [against Subriel Matias]. Now I’ve got the comfort of fighting at home, and I feel good. I have my people here around me. We’re just going to have to see how he turns up. Some people struggle when they travel but we’ll see how he comes – I think he’s coming at 110 per cent. I’ve another hard task ahead of me but it makes me excited also.

“I’m sure [Crocker] sees me as a threat. I watched that fight closely, and I’m confident I can get the job done once my opportunity arises. But I’m not looking past David Papot. That’s the only guy on my mind now.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

LIAM PARO WEATHERS ADVERSITY, EYE INJURY TO BEAT DAVID PAPOT IN IBF TITLE ELIMINATOR

Liam Paro's welterweight debut was far from straightforward, but he could breathe easy at the final bell after winning a 12-round unanimous decision against David Papot in their IBF world title eliminator.

The 29-year-old former IBF junior welterweight champion had a comfortable evening's work against Jonathan Navarro in June but knew he was in tough against an unbeaten contender 10,000 miles away from home.

"This is world level ... you slip up and look like this. He was crafty, guy isn't undefeated ofr no reason and can whack for someone with five KOs. This is world level, everyone can fight, on to the next one," he told Main Event's Ben Damon after a gruelling night's work from Queensland's Pat Rafter Arena, Australia.

After banking the early rounds behind a measured start, Paro had to deal with an increasingly aggressive Papot as time wore on.

That was evident by a frantic finish to round four, the former world champion being rocked twice in quick succession by consecutive one-two combinations. Papot couldn't miss behind his left hand and the home favourite's right eye swelled almost immediately as he wobbled, with world-level contender Michael Zerafa on commentary suggesting Paro was saved by the bell.

The uncomfortable viewing continued for sustained periods through the next three rounds. Papot outworked the younger man in the fifth, was pushing the pace and using his physicality well to wear on him, as Paro's shot selection was rightly being questioned.

Would he mix up his attacks better, rather than just try to find a left hand? Well, a bizarre eighth frame gave him the opportunity to dictate terms behind his jab again as Papot seemed more intent on showing machismo rather than sustained punch output.

He moved backwards and continued gesticulating that Paro's punches were not troubling him, rather than keeping his fellow southpaw honest as he had been doing well over the previous few rounds.

Buoyed by this and a second wind too, Paro turned the tide with better work through combination punching and went downstairs for good measure.

The penultimate stanza was closely-fought, Papot finally aware this contest still hung in the balance heading into the last six minutes and wobbling Paro again as the hairy moments resurfaced. They traded in the pocket, referee Katsuhiko Nakamura ruling Papot slipped rather than being floored during another back-and-forth sequence with both swinging wildly.

Paro finished the round stronger and didn't relent in the 12th, knowing he couldn't afford to with the fight still anyone's guess. Digging several flurries to head and body, the one-eyed favourite got the crowd stirring in anticipation of a last-minute KO win but Papot refused to indulge him.

Undercard results

Junior lightweight: Liam Wilson TKO4 Jorge Santana
Junior middleweight: Jacob Ng TKO1 Rikki Naito
Junior middle: Dharringarra Trewhella TKO5 Lachlan O'Shea
Heavyweight: Floyd Masson UD6 (60-54 x 3) Johan Linde
Super middleweight: Ken Aitken SD5 (48-47, 47-48, 49-46) Sonny Knight
Junior middleweight: Danny Keating KO1 Sachin Nautiyal
Welterweight: Matthew Hosking UD4 (40-35, 39-36, 40-35) Lance McDonald

[Evander]

Not seen it yet
Apparently Paro got it over line but with damage incoming

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Liam Paro 'Just Got To Keep Winning' As He Sets Sights On Welterweight Champions

Brian Norman Jr's career-toughest test against Devin Haney in November will likely decide the welterweight division's trajectory.

Georgia's Norman (28-0, 22 KOs, 2 NC) is an in-form defending champion bullish that he'll depart the Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh with another impressive defence under his belt but incoming divisional debutant Haney (32-0, 15 KOs, 1 NC) has other ideas.

Regardless of who wins their WBO welterweight title matchup as part of a stacked Ring IV bill come November 22, the unbeaten emerging victor is largely expected to clean up the rest of the belts in an ever-changing 147-pound division with beatable champions.

San Antonio's Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) has drawn his last two appearances against Abel Ramos and a returning Hall of Famer in Manny Pacquiao, while Rolando Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) was elevated from 'Regular' champion after Ennis vacated his unified titles.

Lewis Crocker's narrow 12-round split decision win over Paddy Donovan in their rematch this month has merely amplified a belief that, if you're good enough, the current champions are there for the taking.

Crocker (22-0, 11 KOs) was handily losing their first bout before Donovan was disqualified for landing a shot after the bell, while logging two knockdowns in a more disciplined display was still only enough on two scorecards to edge past his fellow Irishman.

Former IBF junior welterweight titleholder Paro (27-1, 16 KOs) is one of three former champions who've moved up from lower weight divisions, alongside Haney and Pacquiao, to be currently ranked in the world's top-15 among the four major sanctioning bodies.

His gritty title eliminator win over No. 8-rated Papot will boost him in next month's IBF rankings update, though Crocker's promoter Eddie Hearn intimated the week prior that he would need at least one more win before being called as the mandatory challenger.

While showing respect for Crocker's changed gameplan, the Mackay southpaw remains confident he'd beat the new champion when his time does come.

He told BS: "The first [fight] was very dominant in Donovan's favour, so you've got to respect Crocker and his team for coming up with that [gameplan], executing it, catching and putting him on the canvas numerous times. It was a good fight, but I'm confident I can get Crocker when my opportunity arises. I've just got to keep winning."

Whether it's the IBF or another sanctioning body, Paro (#5 WBO) isn't bothered by what he cannot change. Naturally, he fancies himself against them all.

No Limit CEO George Rose has revealed they're in preliminary discussions with both Romero and Barrios over a potential 2026 matchup, aware Paro has previously sparred the former on several occasions in Las Vegas and they share a friendly respect for one another.

“I’ve shared the ring with Rolly and we have a mutual respect - both of us know the other can fight, I’d actually say we’re mates - but I’d love to take his belt. Anyone with a belt, I want them and a fight between us absolutely makes sense,” the 29-year-old told Fox Sports Australia after his gutsy 12-round decision win over David Papot last week.

[giacomino]

Welterweight going the way of the middleweight division after GGG stopped fighting, with belt holders who (not including Norman) wouldn’t last half a fight against Crawford or even Spence

[Ruthless-RKO]

Welterweight going the way of the middleweight division after GGG stopped fighting, with belt holders who (not including Norman) wouldn’t last half a fight against Crawford or even Spence

Yh welterweight has been crap for a while tbh. How many p4p stars?

Norman looks good and let’s see if Haney stays at WW after their fight.

But then it’s the case of, who is there to challenge.