LIAM PARRO expects to be challenged on Saturday night by a much better version of Richardson Hitchins than fighter Gustavo Lemos nearly upset on April 6 in Las Vegas.
However, Paro, 25-0 (15 KOs) doesn’t think Hitchins, 18-0 (7 KOs), deserves this shot in the IBF South Australian junior welterweight division. Paro believes Lemos should have won his 12-round IBF elimination bout at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
All three judges disagreed with Parr’s perception of what happened that night. New York’s Hitchins won by unanimous decision as Tim Cheatham (117-111), Max De Luca (115-113) and Steve Weisfeld (115-113) scored in the bout for the 2016 Haitian Olympian.
“I honestly think he got the decision,” Paro said Boxing News. “That’s how 90 percent of the world worked.” You know, it is what it is. They say you’re only as good as your last fight. And look, he will get better. I know he will get better. This is his recording. I remember how hungry I was when I got the title shot (against Subriel Matias). But yes, he won that decision. Saying that, it’s a clean slate now. So, as I told him face to face, there are no excuses. I wish Hitchins the best. And yes, let’s keep it going.”
Hitchins said he had extreme difficulty making the junior welterweight limit of 140 pounds before fighting Lemos, 29-2 (19 KOs), who was knocked out by lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis in the second round on Nov. 8 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va., Davis’ hometown, 12-0 (8 KO, 1 NC). Hitchins also injured his right hand during training camp, which he said hampered him against Lemos.
His performance against Lemos aside, Paro realizes he will face a capable boxer in the 12-round main event DAZN will broadcast from the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“Look, you have to give credit where credit is due,” Paro said. “He is undefeated. He’s the number one contender for a reason, so look, he’s a good fighter. He’s a good boxer and that’s how he’ll want the fight to go. He’ll want a boxing match. But yeah, I’m excited for this show to hit the road on December 7ththfirst defense of my title. My coach has come up with a good game plan and now it’s just up to me to execute it.”
DAZN’s coverage of the Paro-Hitchins undercard is set to begin at midnight GMT in the UK (7pm ET in the US). Paro will make his first defense of the IBF belt he won when he defeated Puerto Rico’s Matias 21-2 (21 KOs) by unanimous decision in their 12-round bout on June 15 at the Juan Abreu Coliseum in Manatee, Puerto Rico.