Former super lightweight world champion Liam Paro was forced to dig deep in order to defeat Frenchman David Papot in their IBF welterweight world title eliminator in Brisbane on Thursday.
The Queensland southpaw claimed a hard-fought unanimous decision win (116-112 x2, 117-111) over his fellow lefty, rallying from some tense moments through the middle rounds.
Papot was a more than $9 outsider with the bookies but looked a better than even money chance late in the fourth round after stunning Paro with successive 1-2s, blowing up a mouse on his right eyebrow.
MORE: 'Disposable society': Tim Tszyu's former manager reacts to bombshell move
That swung the momentum Papot’s way for the next few rounds before Paro was able to regain some control as the visitor began to fade in round nine.
Paro’s eye only got worse down the stretch but the Aussie did just enough, although the cards perhaps flattered the 29-year-old slightly.
The result saw Papot defeated for the first time, slipping to 30-1-1, while Paro improved to 27-1 and is now in the box seat for a shot at IBF champion at 147-pounds, Lewis Crocker.
In the chief support, Liam Wilson and his signature left hook got the job done with a fourth-round stoppage of tough Dominican Jorge Santana.
Following the victory, the hard-hitting Queenslander again reiterated his wish to face George Kambosos in a domestic showdown.
Earlier, Jacob Ng’s return from an extended layoff was a successful one, albeit aided by his opponent Rikki Naito suffering a suspected Achilles rupture on the way to a first-round TKO.
Here's how it all went down:
Liam Paro vs. David Papot updates, results and highlights
Round 12: Certainly not the prettiest round of boxing you'll ever watch but definitely willing. A close final round to wrap up a close fight.
Paro 115-113 on our card but it's going to be tight.
10:27pm: A close 11th round after both guys enjoyed bright moments. Who will put an exclamation mark on the fight. Paro seemingly with more gas in the tank but the damage on his face is showing.
10:19pm: Papot virtually took the ninth off - is he out of gas or just conserving energy for the final three rounds? Still anyone's fight.
10:15pm: Paro rallies with a solid round in the eighth, landing several nice combinations, despite Papot signalling to the crowd that they weren't troubling him. We have it even on the cards through eight.
10:11pm: Seven rounds down and Papot still has the momentum following his big fourth round. Paro under the pump here and his left eye is getting any less swollen.
10:02pm: Paro looks to have his feet back under him but Papot definitely has wind in his sails. Both guys land some good shots and they can compare bloody noses now too. The Aussie would do well to mix up his offence instead of looking for the big left hand.
9:58pm: Paro is rocked by back-to-back 1-2s at the end of the fourth. His right eye swells up almost instantly. This isn't what the home crowd want to see from their man.
9:55pm: Three rounds in the books in the main event and Paro is on top but not having it all his own way. Papot has a cut under his left eye. Both southpaws waiting on their rear hand.
Liam Wilson records another KO win
The trusty left hook of Liam Wilson got the job done again, this time stopping the crafty Jorge Santana in the fourth round.
Wilson had been scoring with hard shots and looked to be getting closer to a knockout blow and it came courtesy of a thunderous left hand to the temple late in the round.
After the win, the Queenslander reiterated his desire to face George Kambosos, while promoter George Rose said his hope was to bring Mexico's Emanuel Navarrete to Australia for a rematch.
Jacob Ng's comeback successful with TKO of Rikki Naito
A ruptured Achilles brought a premature end to this one, with Naito going down by first-round TKO following the unfortunate injury.
&
;
Dharringarra Trewhella wears Lachlan O'Shea down
A sustained onslaught eventually saw Dharringarra Trewhella secure a fifth-round stoppage of Lachlan O'Shea.
Floyd Masson outworks Johan Linde to points win
(60-54 x3)
Drafted in as a short-notice replacement just days out from the fight, Johan Linde was far from disgraced but Floyd Masson's output and pressure ensured he took a wide points decision.
Ken Aitken edges Sonny Knight after split decision
(49-46, 48-47, 47-48)
Danny Keating stops Sachin Nautiyal early
Ireland-born Danny Keating got the job done early, dropping Sachin Nautiyal with a right hand to the ribs from which he never recovered.
Matthew Hosking defeats Lance McDonald via unanimous decision
(40-35 x2, 39-36)
What time is Paro vs. Papot?
Paro vs. Papot goes down on Thursday, September 18 at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, Queensland.
The pay-per-view portion of the fight card is due to kick off at 7pm AEST, with the main event fighters expected to step into the ring some time around 10pm, depending on the length of the earlier fights.
How to watch Paro vs. Papot: TV channel, live stream
Paro vs. Papot is a pay-per-view event and can be purchased for $49.95 through Foxtel's Main Event, or through streaming platform Kayo.
| TV channel | Live stream | |
| Prelims (from 6pm) | Fox Sports 3 (Ch. 503) | Kayo |
| Main card (from 7pm) | Main Event | Kayo PPV6 |
Paro vs. Papot fight card
Bout and order subject to change.
- Liam Paro vs. David Papot; welterweight
- Liam Wilson vs. Jorge Santana; super featherweight
- Jacob Ng vs. Rikki Naito; super welterweight
- Dharringarra Trewhella vs. Lachlan O'Shea; super welterweight
- Floyd Masson vs. Johan Linde; heavyweight
- Ken Aitken vs. Sonny Knight; super welterweight
- Danny Keating vs. Sachin Nautiyal; welterweight
- Matthew Hosking vs. Lance McDonald; welterweight