At 35 and with only a handful of memorable names on his resume, it's a bullish claim his promoter David Musset can make knowing the 147-pound division isn't as stacked as it once was.

Papot (31-1-1, 5 KOs) spoke to his invaluable 12-round experience during a post-fight media scrum, discussing the challenges facing an awkward style and why he should be viewed as the uncrowned IBF world champion.

Australia's Liam Paro was quickly thrust into a firefight against him in September and the victory was far less comfortable than the scorecards suggested (117-111, 116-112, 116-112).

Paro outpointed Lewis Crocker last month in Brisbane to become the country's first two-division world champion since Jeff Fenech managed the feat in 1987. His team can't help wondering what might have been, if Papot's hand was raised that night.

"He's had 10 fights at 12-round level and proved he deserves a title shot, he's ready for one," Musset said while half-translating and half-speaking for his charge.

Eubank, by comparison, was making his fourth appearance over the 12-round distance. An 11th-round stoppage of Germany's Timo Schwarzkopf in November 2023 was the deepest he'd ever been.

"He fought Paro and lost a decision but everybody saw it [the outcome] as a controversial opinion. He's the true IBF world champion."

"It was tougher than expected. I thought it'd be easier to connect, but it was difficult to box against Harlem's difficult style. The main goal was to be technical and tactical, counter him," Papot said.

"It was the same [against Paro]. He was saved by the bell in Round 1 and had a closed eye ... the referee and doctor let Paro go six rounds with one eye, which is forbidden across the world. That's why they call him the Queenslander cyclops now," Musset chuckled.

"Now they know the truth. He was at 60 percent, but in France Paro would never have finished the fight. I put my house on it, [he'd have been stopped] by the eighth round."

Interestingly, Eubank's seventh-round knockdown also marked the first time the Frenchman has been knocked down in 500 fights. That includes sparring and training to more than 350 kickboxing bouts, according to his team.

While that achievement is impressive, one can't help questioning the signs of his durability beginning to wane. MF Pro chief Kalle Sauerland already stated an interest in bringing him back and he's in the mood to snare even bigger fights across two weight divisions after upsetting the home fighter.

On what he wants next for Papot, Musset said: "It's too soon to say that but I would like Jack Catterall for the [WBA 'regular'] world title? Josh Kelly at 154 ... David has been talking about Conor Benn for two or three years, it's not a problem for him, he's ready for anyone, no problem," Musset added.