Paro and Hitchins looking to make their case as top dog at 140
Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins are nearly set for action on December 7.
Liam Paro will defend the IBF super lightweight title against Richardson Hitchins in a Dec. 7 DAZN main event from Puerto Rico, and the two fighters are putting the final touches on their camps ahead of the bout.
Paro (25-0, 15 KO) is coming in with the much bigger momentum, having taken the IBF title from Subriel Matias in an upset road win on June 15, while Hitchins (18-0, 7 KO) was much less emphatic — to say the least — in a disputed victory over Gustavo Lemos on Apr. 6.
But Hitchins, 27, understandably feels his skillset and style could be a major issue for Paro, 28, but the champ is confident he’s simply the better man.
Notes from the two camps:
Liam Paro
On the win over Subriel Matias: “Taking out the so-called boogeyman in his backyard made it extra special. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about showing the world what we already knew. I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, the same way I did against the most avoided guy in the division.”
“Puerto Rico is a beautiful place with beautiful people, and I’m honored to defend my title there. It’s special to return to the island that gave me the opportunity to become a champion. I’m ready to win over even more fans with this performance.”
“I’ve always said I wanted the target on my back. Knowing that someone wants to take what I’ve worked my entire life for is even more motivating. I’ve stayed disciplined and focused, and my mindset remains the same—I’m always a contender. I know how hard this fight will be, but I’m ready to show the world what we already know. I’m one of the top guys in my division.”
“We know the task ahead of us is not going to be easy, and we have the perfect gameplan. I’ve said for a long time that I have the best team in the world, and we’ve continued to show that in every fight. This one will be no different.”
“I don’t look past anyone. I’m focused on getting the win and moving forward as champion. My goal is clear: to retain my title and prove why I’m the best in the division.”
“God willing, December 7 will be another defining night in my career. I’m ready to put on a dominating performance and show again why I’m the top guy at 140.”
Richardson Hitchins
“This is my division. I am the man at 140, and once I get this belt, I’m bringing it back to New York. This is my chance to show everyone what I’ve been saying all along — I’m the best 140 lb fighter in the world. Hats off to Liam Paro for taking the fight, but he’s never faced anyone like me.”
“I don’t take days off; I stay in shape year-round because this is my job. The discipline I’ve learned from greats like Floyd Mayweather and Gervonta Davis has helped me prepare for this moment. I feel like I’m in my physical prime, and I’ve made sure my mental game is just as strong.”
“Paro beat the so-called boogeyman of the division, but I’m not Matias. He’s never been in with a fighter like me before. I have the skills, the mindset, and the ability to take him apart and show why I’m at the top of the division. Whether it’s through boxing or fighting, I’ll find a way to win.”
“I wouldn’t consider this a shocking moment. Ever since I was a kid, I believed I was an upper-echelon fighter. This fight is the moment I’ve been working toward my entire life.”