LIAM Paro will defend his IBF super-lightweight title for the first time on December 7 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, against dangerous mandatory challenger Richardson Hitchins. While it’s not quite a return to the crime scene for Paro, the Australian will feel familiar with his surroundings, having travelled to the same island to win the title off Subriel Matias in June.
Next was expected to be a homecoming bout, with George Kambosos and Devin Haney’s names linked. However, Matchroom is back in Puerto Rico due to a contractual obligation and has brought along Hitchins for the ride. At 18-0, with only seven KOs, Hitchins won’t hold the same kind of ferocious heat as Matias, but he will provide the champion with a stern test of a different nature.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 04: Richardson Hitchins punches John Bauza during their Super Lightweight fight at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on February 04, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old New Yorker will be moving, using his hand speed and accuracy to pick off Paro if he is to land the title. In his last outing, Hitchins defeated Argentina’s Gustavo Lemos by a disputed decision in an eliminator for this 140-pound belt. Richardson now has his shot and the loser is off fighting contender Keyshawn Davis as part of Lemos’ new Top Rank deal.
The champion, Paro, was unhappy with the number of rivals he reckons swerved their chances to face him.
“All the so-called big guys at 140 pounds lost their tongues so I decided to bring on my mandatory defence early against Hitchins and clear the path for 2025,” roared the 25-0 (15 KOs) southpaw from Queensland.
“I can’t wait to fight and show again why I’m the top guy at 140. I’m coming to shine again in beautiful Puerto Rico.”
Hitchins also had plenty to say on the December 7 main event: “Hats off to Liam Paro. He beat the so-called boogeyman of the division, but I ain’t Subriel Matias. He’s never been in with a fighter like me before.
“He didn’t want this fight, and it’s for good reason. This is my division. I am the man at 140 and once I get this belt, I’m bringing it back to New York and everything runs through me.”
