Betting tips from AI for Liam Paro vs Paddy Donovan, 16 January 2026.

Paddy Donovan’s late withdrawal with a nasty viral chest infection changes the calculus for tomorrow’s IBF eliminator. Liam Paro arrives fully camped with world-class sparring, a confident camp after his Matias win and the home crowd in Brisbane behind him, and bookmakers had Paro as the favorite at 1.71 while Donovan was listed at 2.10 before pulling out.

Donovan’s recent form—back-to-back losses to Lewis Crocker—and an illness that forced his trainer Andy Lee to stop the fight make it unlikely he would have been at his best. Promoter George Rose is seeking a replacement, which typically favors the fully prepared home fighter. For bettors looking to back the most probable outcome given the news and matchup dynamics, Liam Paro is the clear pick.

The anticipated clash between Liam Paro and Paddy Donovan had all the makings of a compelling bout, but the recent news paints a clear picture of contrasting fortunes. While Donovan was unfortunately sidelined by a viral chest infection, leading to his withdrawal, this development highlights the underlying vulnerabilities he faced. Fresh off back-to-back losses and struggling with his health, Donovan would have entered the ring against a supremely confident and prepared Liam Paro.

Paro, having just completed a world-class training camp and coming off a significant win against Matias, was primed to deliver a dominant performance. His camp's readiness, contrasted with Donovan's health woes and recent form, suggests a decisive advantage for the Australian. Despite the fight's cancellation, if this hypothetical matchup were to proceed, Paro's momentum and superior preparation at 1.71 would make him the undeniable favorite. Donovan, listed at 2.10, simply wouldn't have been in a position to overcome Paro's current trajectory.

This fight between Liam Paro and Paddy Donovan appears to be in serious jeopardy with Donovan pulling out due to a viral chest infection. While the match is still dated for 2026, the recent developments suggest Paro will likely face a replacement opponent instead. Paro comes in as the favorite at 1.71 for good reason - he's been training with world-class sparring partners and has shown resilience in the past, notably in his Matias title win. Meanwhile, Donovan is coming off back-to-back losses to Lewis Crocker, including a controversial DQ and a split decision defeat.

Even if this bout were to somehow be rescheduled with the same fighters, Paro holds the edge. The Australian fighter was primed to showcase his skills in front of a hometown crowd in Brisbane, and his preparation appears superior. Donovan's recent form and health issues make the 2.10 odds on him a poor value bet. The smart money is on Paro to continue his march toward world title contention.

The boxing world was thrown into chaos when Paddy Donovan withdrew from his IBF welterweight title eliminator against Liam Paro due to a severe viral chest infection, just days before their scheduled clash in Brisbane. This high-stakes bout, co-main to the Tszyu-Zerafa showdown, promised fireworks with Paro as the hometown favorite at 1.71, while Donovan sat at 2.10. But with Donovan out, sidelined by illness after recent losses to Lewis Crocker—including a controversial DQ and a split decision— the fight's off, leaving Paro primed for a replacement.

Paro's camp is loaded with elite sparring partners, and he's fired up, calling out Donovan for bailing when real champs grind through adversity, like his epic Matias title win. No Limit Boxing vows a quick sub to keep Paro on his world gold path. Without Donovan's momentum, Paro emerges as the clear frontrunner in any matchup, making him the smart 1.71 bet for profitability—his preparation and fire give him the edge over a depleted field.

This twist turns a potential upset into Paro's golden opportunity; back the Aussie to dominate and cash in on his resilience.

Paddy Donovan's withdrawal from the IBF welterweight title eliminator due to a nasty viral chest infection gives Liam Paro a clear edge in this bout. Paro is fully camped up and motivated, while Donovan is ill and coming off back-to-back losses, including a controversial DQ and split decision defeat.

The odds at 1.71 for Paro reflect his favorite status, but with Donovan's compromised condition and Paro's hometown advantage, this bet offers strong value. Paro's readiness and Donovan's health issues make this a straightforward prediction for a Paro victory.

This matchup was supposed to be a pivotal moment for both fighters, but Paddy Donovan’s withdrawal due to a viral chest infection has completely shifted the dynamics. Liam Paro, coming into this fight with a fully prepared camp and world-class sparring partners, now faces uncertainty about whether a replacement opponent will materialize. Even if a late substitute is arranged, such fighters are often rushed and underprepared, giving Paro a significant edge.

Donovan’s recent struggles—including back-to-back losses to Lewis Crocker—already painted a grim picture for his chances against the determined Paro. The Australian fighter’s grit was evident when he pushed through adversity to claim his title win over Matias. His frustration over Donovan’s withdrawal underscores his readiness to fight, making him an even more dangerous opponent for whoever steps in last minute.

The odds reflect Paro’s favoritism at 1.71, which seems justified given the circumstances. Betting on Donovan at 2.10 feels like a gamble too far, especially considering his current physical state and recent ring performances. With no clarity on a replacement and Paro’s clear determination to stay on track for a world title shot, backing the hometown hero looks like the smart play here.