Paddy Donovan has withdrawn from his scheduled fight against Liam Paro on January 16 because of illness, No Limit Boxing announced Wednesday.

The IBF welterweight title eliminator was supposed to take place in Brisbane, Australia, providing chief support for the fight between Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa.

No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose said he’s working on securing a suitable replacement opponent for Paro.

“It’s extremely disappointing to see Donovan’s team pull out of a world title eliminator,” said Rose. “These opportunities are rare. Liam’s preparation and motivation for this fight were next level. That said, our focus now shifts back to Liam Paro chasing the world title, and we won’t miss a step in making it happen.”

Paro (27-1, 16 KOs), a former junior welterweight titleholder, expressed that he was “gutted” for the fight against Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) to be called off.

“I’ve put in a full camp, flown world-level sparring over to prepare, and done everything right,” said Paro. “I was ready to put on a show in Brisbane. When it’s taken away this close, of course, it stings.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frustrated. I was ready to go, and he pulled out, simple as that. I was prepared for the toughest version of Paddy Donovan, and now he’s gone.”

Paro was coming off back-to-back victories against Jonathan Navarro in June and David Papot in September after the first loss of his career during the first defense of his 140-pound IBF crown against Richardson Hitchins in December 2024. Six months prior, Paro scored a career-best win against Subriel Matias.

Donovan, meanwhile, was coming off back-to-back losses against Lewis Crocker in 2025. Donovan dropped a disqualification defeat in March and a split decision to Crocker in September for the IBF welterweight title.

“To be honest, it feels like he never wanted the smoke,” said Paro. “He took forever to sign the contract and now pulls out with the flu. I’ve battled through training camps before with sickness, including for the Matias world title, but fighter’s fight.

“I was coming in fit, confident, and ready to make a statement, and maybe he saw that. He was just going to be a statistic on my record anyways. As frustrating as it is, that’s boxing. We stay in the gym grinding, and I know God always has a greater plan.

“My focus hasn’t changed one bit. I’m coming for Lewis Crocker and the world title next. I will be a two-time and two-division champion. This is just a delay, not the destination. I’ll reset, stay sharp, and be ready for the world title next. I should not and cannot be denied.”