Australian IBF super lightweight champion Liam Paro will defend his title against American contender Richardson Hitchins on December 7, as announced by Matchroom. The contest between the two highly-rated 140-pounders will be held in Puerto Rico and is set to feature an array of Puerto Rican fighters and other talents both known and unknown. The Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan has been chosen as the venue where Matchroom is set to stage this pivotal title bout.
Liam Paro (25-0, 15 KO’s) acquired the IBF super lightweight (140 lbs) title by an upset victory defeating the previous champion, Puerto Rican fighter Subriel Matias (20-2, 20 KO’s), soundly through a unanimous decision (UD). His upcoming title defense against Richardson Hitchins (18-0, 7 KO’s) will be his first-ever defense of a major world title.
The upcoming title contest is considered a significant battle for both fighters, with Liam Paro still looking to legitimize his reign as a champion with a victory over Richardson Hitchins, while the American will be aiming to become a world champion in his own first title fight.
With both fighters being undefeated and considered top combatants in the 140-pound division, a close yet pivotal contest is expected to be conducted. Arguments can be made for either fighter to claim a victory given their skillset and ability ,though Paro is bound to be considered the favorite given his possesion of the IBF title.
Further complementing the Matchroom card will be an all-Puerto Rican bout between countrymen Henry Lebron (19-0, 10 KO’s) and Christopher Diaz-Velez (29-4, 19 KO’s). The two will be fighting at super featherweight (130 lbs) for the vacant IBF Latino title.
American welterweight (147 lbs) prospect Jalil Hackett (9-0, 7 KO’s) will also be included on the undercard and battle against Puerto Rican contender Jose Roman Vazquez (13-1, 6 KO’s).
At flyweight (112 lbs), Puerto Rican prospect Yankiel Rivera Figueroa (6-0, 2 KO’s) will be battling against a yet-to-be-named opponent, while women’s welterweight contender Stephanie Pinero Aquino (7-0, 2 KO’s) will also attempt to rise up the rankings against an opponent that will be determined in the near future.
