Liam Paro Imposes Richardson Hitchins Mandatory Defence, Dec. 7 San Juan, PR

Liam Paro was an underdog contender before his previous trip to Puerto Rico.

This time, he is the man on top of the mountain, trying to defend his title.

In June, the 28-year-old Australian was given the daunting task of traveling to the Caribbean Island to challenge IBF junior welterweight champion Subriel Matias at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu, Manati.

Paro was given a small shot at defeating the tough Matias (20-2, 20 KOs), who is widely considered the boogeyman of this division. But the challenger started quickly, weathered a storm in the middle rounds, and came home with a wet canvas to win a unanimous decision by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 twice in the enemy zone.

Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) will return to the island to defend his title against Richardson Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs) at the Roberto Clemente Coliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 7.

The battle of the undefeated 140-pounders will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

“All the so-called big 140lbs lost their tongues, so I decided to quickly defend against Hitchins and pave the way for 2025,” said Paro, who is ranked third by The Ring behind champion Teofimo Lopez. “I can’t wait to fight again and show why I’m the best guy in the 140! I will shine again in beautiful Puerto Rico!”

Hitchins are yet to be tested at this level. In his last fight in April, he went to the death against Gustavo Lemos of Argentina, claiming a decision victory.

Still, the 27-year-old American sure has the tools to get the job done.

“For as long as I can remember, I have been telling anyone who will listen that I am the best 140 lbs fighter in the world. On December 7, I finally got the chance to strengthen that,” said Hitchins, who sits in 10th place in The Ring’s rankings.

“I salute Liam Paro, he defeated the so-called boogeyman of the division, but I am not Subriel Matias. He has never met someone who fights like me before. He didn’t want this fight, and for good reason.

“This is my stage. I’m a 140-year-old man and when I get this belt, I take it back to New York and everything goes to me. And new!”

Australian-based boxing journalist Anthony Cocks has been covering the sport for over 20 years for various publications and online publications.

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