Liam Paro faces another setback in quest for WBO world title, so what’s next?

After sustaining a facial fracture in the weeks leading up to his highly anticipated bout against UK star Robbie Davis Jr, Liam Paro is on the hunt for a fresh world title chance.

Liam Paro works out at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa pool prior to his fight against Yomar Alamo of Puerto Rico. Photo: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

It feels like Liam Paro’s destiny is to become the Lightweight champion of the world however his ambition to be the best will have to wait a little longer.

Paro was set to face off against British star Robbie Davis Jr. this month, but unfortunately suffered a facial fracture in the lead-up to the bout.

Super Lightweight contender Liam Paro is "absolutely gutted" a facial fracture has ruled him out of his March 11 UK debut v Robbie Davies Jr. The US-based Australian’s CT scan shows a 3mm fracture but Paro says he’s not in pain and is hopeful of a speedy return 🤕 pic.twitter.com/N0txfGGNQm

— Ben Damon (@ben_damon) February 22, 2023

This was a huge setback for Paro, who was looking to cement his spot as the next man up for a chance to take home the World title in the Lightweight/Welterweight division against Josh Taylor.

Paro has been training in Vegas for over three months but was forced to withdraw from the bout, leaving him “gutted” and unable to compete for his first time in Europe.

Despite this setback, Paro has proven time and time again that he never gives up and never surrenders.

People had written him off before he stopped Brock Jarvis in Brisbane last year, and there is no doubt that he will come back stronger than ever.

Liam Paro knocks down Brock Jarvis during their super lightweight title bout at Southbank Plaza on October 15, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Russell Freeman/Getty Images

In Paro‘s absence, 34-year-old Darragh Foley of Bondi stepped into the ring with just three weeks’ notice and delivered a stunning defeat to Davis Jr. with a devastating right hook in the 2nd round. The impressive win was enough for Matchroom Boxings' Eddie Hearn to sign Foley.

But what’s next for Paro? Unfortunately, he has already had to decline a bout at the eliminator event against fifth-ranked Uzbekistan national Shohjahon Ergashev due to his fracture.

Liam Paro will now have to wait on the recovery of his facial fracture before announcing his next fight hopefully within this calendar year. Picture: Boxing Australia

Paro’s undefeated record in the boxing ring, combined with his globally recognised dismantling of Brock Jarvis, means that he will continue to be tested by other boxers seeking a fight with him, and even without injury in mind, Paro has never been known to decline a challenge.

While it’s disappointing that Paro won’t get his shot at the WBO title just yet, there is no doubt that he will come back stronger and more determined than ever. In the meantime, he’ll be recovering in Australia before his next move.