Liam Paro Vows to Bring High Pace Against Richardson Hitchins

IBF light welterweight champion Liam Paro is confident that his high-intensity style will overwhelm Richardson Hitchins in their December 7th clash at the Roberto Clemente Coliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Paro, unbeaten with a record of 25-0 and 15 knockouts, believes Hitchins, who holds an 18-0 record with 7 KOs, isn’t comfortable with fast-paced fights and plans to exploit that in their 12-round headliner.

Paro sees Hitchins as an "insecure" fighter who hides his self-doubt behind his verbal jabs. Hitchins has often been outspoken about his opponents, something Paro finds easy to dismiss. “He just loves to talk, as we’ve seen," Paro told FightHype, noting that Hitchins’ bravado may stem from insecurity. "I just think that’s him hiding his disbelief in himself. I let my fighting do my talking.” The Paro-Hitchins fight, broadcast live on DAZN and promoted by Matchroom, could be pivotal for Paro, potentially leading to even bigger matches. Paro hinted that the IBF’s rehydration limit might deter other big names, like Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia, from stepping up to challenge him.

As for Hitchins’ tendency to hype his fights, Paro isn't fazed and instead focuses on his own career path. “No, he doesn’t know me. Let him talk,” Paro remarked, emphasizing his long-standing focus and discipline in the sport. “I’m ready to defend my throne and build my own legacy. He’s no Matias,” Paro added, comparing Hitchins unfavorably to Subriel Matias, a top-tier competitor he respects for his work rate and tenacity.

Paro plans to set a relentless pace from the start, aiming to tire Hitchins and test his limits in the ring. “We’re going to bring the pace to him and let him know early he’s in a dog fight," Paro said, emphasizing his physical strength. "I’m not going to look for the knockout, but anyone who’s been in the ring with me knows I punch hard.” Confident in his power, Paro wants to put Hitchins in a grueling situation, saying he aims to take him "into deep waters and drown him."

Hitchins, known for his slick boxing style, is expected to avoid toe-to-toe exchanges with Paro. Critics have pointed to his performances against fighters like Gustavo Lemos and Jose Zepeda, where he seemed hesitant when facing heavy blows, opting to move around rather than engage up close. This tendency has sometimes led to boos from the crowd, as Hitchins’ cautious approach didn’t meet fans’ expectations.

With his sights set on Hitchins, Paro is gearing up for a strong, potentially dominating performance that could set him apart in the division. While Hitchins’ verbal sparring may build anticipation, Paro is focused on the fight itself and is prepared to showcase the aggressive, fast-paced style he believes will secure him victory.