Boxing Match Overview
In a dramatic boxing match held on Thursday at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, Australia, Liam Paro triumphed over David Papot by way of unanimous decision in an IBF welterweight title elimination bout. The final scores read 116-112, 116-112, and 117-111, marking a significant step for Paro in his pursuit of a world championship title, despite sustaining a severe eye injury during the fight.
Paro’s Career Context
Liam Paro, who claimed the IBF super lightweight title in June 2024 by defeating Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico, faced tough competition in Papot. Following his initial title win, Paro’s first defense against Richardson Hitchins in December resulted in a loss, making the victory over Papot crucial for his ambitions. With this latest win, he is now positioned as the No. 2 contender in the IBF welterweight rankings and could soon become the mandatory challenger to the reigning champion, Lewis Crocker.
Fight Highlights
The bout was not without its challenges for Paro. Early in the contest, he established dominance with a strong jab and skilled use of his left hand, effectively controlling the action for the first three rounds. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in Round 4 when Papot landed a powerful left that severely damaged Paro’s right eye. This injury worsened as the fight progressed, ultimately limiting Paro’s vision to one eye and placing him in a precarious situation where any stoppage due to the injury could have resulted in a loss.
In spite of the setback, Paro showcased his resilience, managing to secure rounds by being more active than Papot, who failed to increase his output even after gaining an advantage. While Papot experienced some success in the mid-sections of the fight, including another damaging left in the later rounds, Paro responded with combinations that allowed him to regain control.
Final Rounds and Conclusion
The final stages of the bout saw a blend of strategies from both fighters, with Paro finding strength in the ninth and tenth rounds, landing effective shots that pushed Papot back. Although Papot attempted to finish strong—wobbling Paro early in the eleventh—Paro’s ability to rally in the final minutes ultimately secured his victory. The judges’ scorecards reflecting a 7–5 or 8–4 win for Paro seemed to accurately summarize the close contest, prompting Papot to reflect on opportunities missed earlier in the fight when he could have capitalized on Paro’s injury.
