Liam Paro is brimming with belief as he prepares to face David Papot in an IBF welterweight eliminator on Thursday night in Tennyson, Queensland. The 12-round main event at Rafter Arena takes place just minutes from Paro’s Brisbane home, where the local favorite has promised to deliver a punishing performance.
“We’re both gunning for that one spot at the title table,” Paro said at the final press conference. “I love the confidence of Papot. I hope he keeps that confidence after I crack him a few times.” The winner will become mandatory challenger to newly crowned IBF champion Lewis Crocker, who recently edged Paddy Donovan in Belfast.
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Paro moved up to 147 lbs after briefly holding the IBF junior welterweight title. He stunned Subriel Matias last year to claim the belt before losing it to Richardson Hitchins in his first defense. After bouncing back with a fifth-round stoppage of Jonathan Navarro in June, Paro committed to the welterweight division, convinced he can grow into the weight.
Thursday’s fight will be Paro’s eighth against an unbeaten opponent, part of a career built on tough matchmaking. Still, he knows Papot’s undefeated record demands respect. “He’s a crafty, slippery boxer. Undefeated fighters are dangerous. But I’m going to be the one to piece the puzzle together,” Paro said.
With hometown support behind him and a title shot on the line, Paro insists the confidence is real—his only question is whether Papot can keep his once the punches start to land.
Image Credit: No Limit Boxing