Liam Paro’s Big Test Against Richardson Hitchins: Proving He Belongs at the Top

Liam Paro is ready to take the junior welterweight division by storm. Fresh off a career-changing victory over Subriel Matias, which earned him the IBF junior welterweight title, Paro is stepping back into the ring this Saturday to defend his belt. His opponent? The undefeated and hungry Richardson Hitchins. This fight isn’t just about defending a title—it’s about making a statement. Paro wants to show the world that his success isn’t a fluke and that he’s a force to be reckoned with at 140 pounds.

From Underdog to Champion

Liam Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) knows what it means to fight with something to prove. His shocking upset win over Subriel Matias earlier this year didn’t just bring him gold—it put him in the spotlight. But don’t think for a second he’s getting comfortable.

“The Matias fight gave me confidence,” Paro said, “but I still have a contender’s mindset. I’m just getting started. Winning the belt opened doors, but I want to kick those doors down and stay at the top.”

Paro’s rise hasn’t been overnight. Since 2021, he’s taken down impressive opponents like Brock Jarvis, Yomar Alamo, and Montana Love, whom he knocked out in December. These wins weren’t just about numbers on his record—they were about making people take notice.

Facing Richardson Hitchins: A Fight That Matters

Paro’s first title defense is no walk in the park. He’s taking on Richardson Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs), a talented and undefeated fighter who’s been steadily climbing the ranks. Hitchins earned this shot, and Paro knows it.

“We wanted to stay active as champions,” Paro explained. “This fight is a chance to make a big statement against a good name. I want to show everyone that I’m here to stay.”

Why does this fight matter so much? The junior welterweight division is stacked. It’s home to champions like Teofimo Lopez Jr., Alberto Puello, and Jose Valenzuela, along with big names like Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and Josh Taylor.

Paro understands the stakes. A loss to Hitchins could push him out of the spotlight. But a win? That could set him up for even bigger fights. “If I don’t handle business against Hitchins, those big opportunities take a back seat,” Paro said. “It’s all about delivering a dominating performance and showing I belong at the top.”

What’s Next for Paro in the loaded 140-pound division?

If Paro defeats Hitchins, the possibilities are endless. He’s already eyeing a major fight in his home country of Australia and even called out Ryan Garcia as a potential opponent. “We’d pack out a stadium for sure,” Paro said, emphasizing the excitement of such a matchup.

But Paro knows everything hinges on his performance this Saturday. A win could lead to unification bouts or high-profile fights with the division’s biggest names. A loss, on the other hand, would be a major setback.

With the 140-pound division as competitive as ever, Paro is in a prime position to cement his place among the elite. But first, he has to take care of business in San Juan.