Australian boxing star Liam Paro conceded he was “absolutely gutted” after he was forced to pull out of his fight against Robbie Davies Jr with a facial fracture.

As first revealed by Fox Sports Australia on Tuesday, Paro withdrew after sustaining a 3mm fracture, although he insists he is not in pain and hopes to return to the ring in speedy fashion.

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The Queenslander, who holds an unblemished 23-0 record, was coming off the back of a stunning knockout victory over fellow Australian star Brock Jarvis in October.

Paro’s bout against Robbie Davies Jr was scheduled for March 11 in Liverpool, England as the Aussie was set to defend the WBO Global super lightweight title for the eighth time.

The 26-year-old is ranked No. 3 in the WBO super lightweight division and a victory against Davies Jr would have helped build his case for a world title shot against Josh Taylor, who holds the WBO belt but has been ordered to defend it against Teofimo Lopez.

In preparation for the fight against Davies Jr, Paro relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada as he became the latest Aussie to complete his training camp in the United States.

Only a week ago, Paro shared on social media he had been sparring with undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney in Sin City ahead of the bout.

A replacement for Paro has not yet been confirmed.