LIAM PARO is expecting a much better version of Richardson Hitchins to challenge him on Saturday night than fighter Gustavo Lemos nearly upset on April 6 in Las Vegas.
That said, Paro, 25-0 (15 KOs), doesn’t believe Hitchins, 18-0 (7 KOs), deserves this shot at the Australian southpaw’s IBF junior welterweight title. Paro believes Lemos should have won the 12-round IBF elimination fight at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
All three judges disagreed with Paro’s take on what happened that night. Hitchins, New York won a unanimous decision as Tim Cheatham (117-111), Max De Luca (115-113) and Steve Weisfeld (115-113) all scored their bouts for the 2016 Haitian Olympian.
“I honestly think it gave him a decision,” Paro said Boxing news. “So did 90 percent of the world. You know, it is what it is. They say you’re only as good as your last fight. And look, it will be better. I know it will get better. This is his shot. I remember how hungry I was when I got my title shot (against Subriel Matias). But yes, he was given that decision. Saying that, it’s clean now. So, as I told him face to face, no excuses. I want the best of Hitchin. And yes, let’s get on with it.”
Hitchins said he had great difficulty making the 140-pound middleweight limit before the fight against Lemos, 29-2 (19 KOs), whom lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis knocked out by second-round knockout on Nov. 8 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. hometown of Davis, 12-0 (8 KOs, 1 NC). Hitchins also injured his right hand during training camp, which he said hindered him against Lemo.
In addition to his performance against Lemos, Paro realizes that he will meet a skilled boxer in a 12-round main event that will be broadcast by DAZN from the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“Look, you have to give credit where credit is due,” Paro said. “He is unbeatable. He’s the number one contender for a reason, so look, he’s a good fighter. He’s a good boxer and that’s how he’ll want the fight to go. He’ll want a boxing match. But yeah, I’m excited for this show to come out on December 7thufirst defense of my title. The coach found me a good play and now it’s up to me to execute it.”
DAZN’s coverage of the Paro-Hitchins undercard is scheduled to begin at midnight GMT in the UK (7pm ET in the United States). Paro will make his first defense of an IBF belt he won when he upset Matias of Puerto Rico, 21-2 (21 KOs), by unanimous decision in their 12-rounder on June 15 at the Juan Abreu Coliseum in Manati, Puerto Rico.
