Liam Paro with the IBF junior welterweight title he took from Subriel Matias. (Picture by Melina Pizano/Matchroom)
Liam Paro was an underdog challenger forward of his earlier journey to Puerto Rico.
This time round, he’s the person on high of the mountain, making an attempt to defend his crown.
Again in June, the 28-year-old Australian was given the unenviable job of touring to the Caribbean island to problem native hero and IBF junior welterweight titleholder Subriel Matias at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu, Manati.
Paro was given little shot at victory in opposition to the heavy-handed Matias (20-2, 20 KOs) , extensively thought to be the boogeyman of the division. However the challenger began quick, weathered the storm within the center rounds, and got here residence with a moist sail to win a unanimous choice by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 twice in enemy territory.
Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) will return to the island to defend his crown in opposition to Richardson Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs) on the Roberto Clemente Coliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 7.
The battle of the undefeated 140-pounders can be broadcast reside worldwide on DAZN.
“All of the so-called large guys at 140lbs misplaced their tongues, so I made a decision to deliver on my obligatory protection early in opposition to Hitchins and clear the trail for 2025,” stated Paro, who’s ranked quantity three by The Ring behind champion Teofimo Lopez. “I can’t wait to battle and present once more why I’m the highest man at 140! I’m coming to shine once more in stunning Puerto Rico!”
Hitchins is but to be examined at this degree. In his final bout in April, he went life-and-death with Argentina’s Gustavo Lemos, eking out a detailed choice win.
Nonetheless, the 27-year-old American is satisfied he has the instruments to get the job completed.
“For so long as I can bear in mind, I’ve been telling anybody who would hear that I’m the most effective 140 lbs fighter on the planet. On December 7, I lastly get the possibility to solidify that,” stated Hitchins, who sits within the quantity 10 spot in The Ring rankings.
“Hats off to Liam Paro, he beat the so-called boogeyman of the division, however I ain’t Subriel Matias. He’s by no means been in with a fighter like me earlier than. He didn’t need this battle, and it’s for good motive.
“That is my division. I’m the person at 140 and as soon as I get this belt, I’m bringing it again to New York and every part runs by means of me. And the brand new!”
Australian-based boxing journalist Anthony Cocks has been protecting the game for over 20 years for varied print and on-line publications.
Observe him on X.
