Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins are set to conflict Saturday night time, and whereas the junior welterweight title is formally on the road, what’s actually at stake is a ticket to boxing’s essential stage.
The battle for the IBF junior welterweight title will happen at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, broadcast on DAZN.
For Paro, the undefeated Australian, it’s a shot at elevating his standing to safe blockbuster fights in his homeland in opposition to divisional stars like Teofimo Lopez or Devin Haney. For Hitchins, the brash New Yorker, it’s an opportunity to shed the notion that he’s merely a prospect or contender and cement his place as world-class.
“I used to be born for this shit,” Paro, 28, declared throughout the closing press convention. Whereas Paro saved his remarks quick, Hitchins, 27, made up for it with a monologue that felt like a gross sales pitch for his personal greatness.
“I belong at this stage proper right here,” Hitchins mentioned. “You’re not going to see my expertise in membership reveals or BB King’s in New York. I’m constructed for this world stage, and I’m right here to point out that to everybody.”
Hitchins, who boasts an 18-0 (7 KOs) report, is skilled by Lenny Wilson, who got here ready to squash any narratives of avoiding anybody. Hitchins defeated Gustavo Lemos through unanimous choice in April. Wilson addressed rumors that Hitchins ducked former titleholder Subriel Matias, whom Paro defeated in June for the title.
“I would like all people to grasp that anybody delivered to this workforce, we answered the decision,” Wilson mentioned. “Subriel Matias was by no means supplied to us…and let me make one thing clear – on Saturday night time, Paro gained’t be a rising star; he’ll be a falling one.”
Paro, 25-0 (15 KOs), responded to Hitchins’ claims with the identical calm demeanor he’s identified for contained in the ring. Hitchins, nonetheless, wasn’t carried out. Hitchins introduced up that Paro had referred to as him a quitter in interviews, dismissing the notion with a prolonged rebuttal.
“I’ve been in with greater, rugged guys – 170 kilos – and by no means stop,” Hitchins mentioned. “I don’t know what possibly his sparring companions informed him, however I’ve by no means stop in my life.”
Paro, stone-faced, supplied a chopping reply. “It’s clearly attending to you,” he mentioned, earlier than silencing Hitchins with a easy “Shut up, and we’ll see.” He punctuated his phrases with a shushing gesture, ending the alternate.
The 2 unbeaten fighters convey contrasting fashion and the winner could possibly be in line for a mega-fight that steals the headlines with a win.
