Liam Paro with the IBF junior welterweight title he took from Subriel Matias. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Matchroom)
Liam Paro was a minor challenger before his previous trip to Puerto Rico.
This time he is the man on top of the mountain trying to defend his crown.
In June, the 28-year-old Australian was given the unenviable task of traveling to the Caribbean island to challenge local hero and IBF junior welterweight titleholder Subriel Matias at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu, Manati.
Paro was given little chance with the win against the hard-hitting Matias (20-2, 20 KOs), widely regarded as the boogeyman of the division. But the challenger started fast, weathered the storm in the middle rounds and came home with a wet sail to win a unanimous decision by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 twice in enemy territory.
Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) will return to the island on December 7 to defend his crown against Richardson Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs) at the Roberto Clemente Coliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The fight of the undefeated 140-pounder will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.
“All the so-called big guys at 140 pounds have lost their tongues, so I decided to make my mandatory defense against Hitchins early and clear the way for 2025,” said Paro, ranked number three by The Ring behind the champ Teofimo Lopez is. “I can’t wait to fight and show again why I’m the top guy at 140! I come to shine again in beautiful Puerto Rico!”
Hitchins has yet to be tested at this level. In his last fight in April, he went toe-to-toe with Argentina’s Gustavo Lemos and scored a decisive victory.
Still, the 27-year-old American is convinced he has the tools to get the job done.
“For as long as I can remember, I told anyone who would listen that I was the best 140 lb fighter on the planet. On December 7, I finally get the chance to solidify it,” said Hitchins, who sits in the No. 10 spot on The Ring rankings.
“Hats off to Liam Paro, he beat the so-called boogeyman of the division, but I’m not Subriel Matias. He had never been in with a fighter like me. He didn’t want this fight, and for good reason.
“This is my section. I’m the man at 140 and as soon as I get this belt, I’m bringing it back to New York and everything runs through me. And the new one!”
Australian boxing journalist Anthony Cocks has covered the sport for over 20 years for various print and online publications.
