Richardson Hitchins Outclasses Liam Paro to Win IBF Junior Welterweight Title by Split Decision

In a fight that will go down in history, Richardson Hitchins outclassed Liam Paro to claim the IBF Junior Welterweight Title. Don’t miss the details of this career-defining moment!

Hitchens Shocks the Critics with a Brilliant Victory

Richardson Hitchins silenced his doubters in a career-defining performance Saturday night. The Brooklyn-based junior welterweight outclassed Australian southpaw Liam Paro to claim the IBF 140-pound championship in a thrilling 12-round battle at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Despite a controversial split decision with one judge scoring it 117-111 for Paro, Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) convincingly won the fight on two cards with scores of 116-112. This triumph marks a career-altering moment for Hitchins as he captured the most significant victory of his career.

Underdog Hitchins Outshines Paro in His First World Title Fight

Hitchins entered the ring as the underdog despite being the mandatory challenger for Paro’s title. Critics pointed to his unimpressive win over Gustavo Lemos earlier in the year as proof he wasn’t ready for a world title fight. In contrast, Paro had earned a reputation after his stunning upset win over the hard-hitting Subriel Matias. Yet, Hitchens’ display of superior boxing skills left little doubt—he was the superior fighter on the night, outshining Paro and securing his first world championship.

Paro’s Frustration Grows as Hitchins Takes Control

From the opening bell, it was clear that Paro had no answer for Hitchins’ precise straight right and elusive movement. Paro’s frustration built round by round, and by the final stages of the fight, it seemed clear to everyone—except judge Nelson Vazquez—that Paro needed a knockout to retain his title. Hitchins, however, stayed calm and composed, securing the win by maintaining his disciplined approach to the bout.

Paro’s Desperation Leads to Penalty

As Paro’s frustration grew, his behavior became increasingly erratic. In the 10th round, referee Janny Guzman issued a warning to Paro for hitting Hitchins behind the head. This penalty highlighted how much control Hitchins had gained throughout the fight, especially in the ninth and tenth rounds. The late rounds were a masterclass from Hitchins, who landed clean, powerful right hands and controlled the distance effectively.

Hitchins Dominates the Championship Rounds

Hitchins’ ability to dictate the fight continued to shine in the eighth and seventh rounds. His straight right hand repeatedly knocked Paro off balance, showcasing Hitchins’ superior technical skills and ring IQ. Even when Paro attempted to close the gap and get inside, Hitchins responded by keeping him at a distance, landing precise strikes, and controlling the pace. These rounds cemented Hitchins’ status as the dominant fighter in the ring.

Early Rounds Set the Tone for the Victory

The early rounds were pivotal for Hitchins. From the opening bell, he established control with his consistent jab and straight rights that found their mark. Paro tried to adjust in the third and fourth rounds, stepping around Hitchins and landing a few solid right hooks, but it was clear Hitchins was in charge of the fight’s tempo. By the time they reached the championship rounds, Hitchins was comfortably in the lead, and Paro’s attempts to mount a comeback were futile.