Liam Paro heading back to Puerto Rico for defence against Richardson Hitchins

Liam Paro defends his IBF junior-welterweight title for the first time, against Richardson Hitchins on December 7 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Australia’s Paro, 25-0 (15 KOs), won his crown with an upset decision over Subriel Matias in Manati, Puerto Rico, in June.

Hitchins, 18-0 (7 KOs), his mandatory challenger, defeated Argentinian Gustavo Lemos in Las Vegas earlier in 2024, and the 27-year-old contender from Brooklyn will be fighting for a world belt for the first time.

“All the so-called big guys at 140lbs lost their tongues so I decided to bring on my mandatory defense early against Hitchins and clear the path for 2025,” said Paro. “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.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been telling anyone who would listen that I’m the best 140lbs fighter on the planet,” countered Hitchins. “On December 7, I finally get the chance to solidify that.

“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.”

On the undercard, at junior lightweight, 19-0 (10 KOs) Henry Lebron meets Christopher Diaz, 29-5 (19 KOs). Lebron said: “I am very happy with this opportunity to fight again in Puerto Rico in front of my people. This is going to be a great card. We are ready to give a great show. I am counting on all my Puerto Rican Fans.”

Diaz stated: “As a proud Puerto Rican, fighting in front of my countrymen on December 7 means everything to me. There’s no greater feeling than representing my people and putting on a show for them. I’m coming into this fight fully prepared, and I’m ready to leave it all in the ring against Henry Lebron. This is for Puerto Rico, and I won’t let them down.”

Puerto Rican Olympian Yankiel Rivera, 6-0 (2 KOs), is also on the bill, as is Jalil Hackett, 9-0 (7 KOs), the 13-1 (6 KOs) Jose Roman, and Marc Castro, 13-0 (8 KOS).

There is an outing for Stephanie Pineiro, 7-0 (2 KOs), and Puerto Rican Juan Zayas, 10-0-1 (8 KOs), enters an eight-round contrst at bantamweight against Dominican Marcelino Nieves, 19-0 (13 KOs). Matchroom’s Puerto Rican talent William Ortiz (6-0 4 KOs) faces fellow unbeaten Puerto Rican Lionell Colon (6-0 3 KOs) over eight rounds at 140lbs.

“We are thrilled to be back in Puerto Rico with a brilliant main event and stacked undercard,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Liam was sensational when he ripped the strap from Subriel in June in a career-best performance against one of the most avoided fighters in the sport. Liam was happy to take on that challenge, and he’s happy to take on another difficult but very different challenge in Richardson.

“I’m fascinated to see how this fight plays out, and while it’s never easy to pit two of our fighters against each other, this is exactly what should be happening in the game – the best versus the best – and for both men it’s the chance to back up what they both say, that they are the man at 140lbs.

“The atmosphere in June in Manati was electric from the opening bell to the end, and we’ve got an undercard line-up that will have the fans on the edge of their seats like that once again. Lebron-Diaz will be a war; Yankiel is ready for a world title and he’ll show that in December, while Jalil has to be commended for taking on another challenge at such a young age.”