Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins are set to clash Saturday night, and while the junior welterweight title is officially on the line, what’s truly at stake is a ticket to boxing’s main stage.
The fight for the IBF junior welterweight title will take place at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, broadcast on DAZN.
For Paro, the undefeated Australian, it’s a shot at elevating his status to secure blockbuster fights in his homeland against divisional stars like Teofimo Lopez or Devin Haney. For Hitchins, the brash New Yorker, it’s a chance to shed the perception that he’s merely a prospect or contender and cement his place as world-class.
“I was born for this shit,” Paro, 28, declared during the final press conference. While Paro kept his remarks short, Hitchins, 27, made up for it with a monologue that felt like a sales pitch for his own greatness.
“I belong at this stage right here,” Hitchins said. “You’re not going to see my talent in club shows or BB King’s in New York. I’m built for this world stage, and I’m here to show that to everyone.”
Hitchins, who boasts an 18-0 (7 KOs) record, is trained by Lenny Wilson, who came prepared to squash any narratives of avoiding anyone. Hitchins defeated Gustavo Lemos via unanimous decision in April. Wilson addressed rumors that Hitchins ducked former titleholder Subriel Matias, whom Paro defeated in June for the title.
“I want everybody to understand that anyone brought to this team, we answered the call,” Wilson said. “Subriel Matias was never offered to us…and let me make something clear – on Saturday night, Paro won’t be a rising star; he’ll be a falling one.”
Paro, 25-0 (15 KOs), responded to Hitchins’ claims with the same calm demeanor he’s known for inside the ring. Hitchins, however, wasn’t done. Hitchins brought up that Paro had called him a quitter in interviews, dismissing the notion with a lengthy rebuttal.
“I’ve been in with bigger, rugged guys – 170 pounds – and never quit,” Hitchins said. “I don’t know what maybe his sparring partners told him, but I’ve never quit in my life.”
Paro, stone-faced, offered a cutting reply. “It’s obviously getting to you,” he said, before silencing Hitchins with a simple “Shut up, and we’ll see.” He punctuated his words with a shushing gesture, ending the exchange.
The two unbeaten fighters bring contrasting style and the winner could be in line for a mega-fight that steals the headlines with a win.
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