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.
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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.”
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