In an exciting showdown for the IBF 140-pound world title, Liam Paro faced off against Richardson Hitchens in the vibrant city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The fight was packed with intense moments, as both fighters showcased their skills in a battle that would determine the next world champion in the junior welterweight division.
From the opening bell, Liam Paro, the slight favorite and southpaw, came out with a high-intensity approach, looking to pressure Hitchens early on. He attempted to cut off the ring and trap his opponent, but Hitchens proved to be a difficult target. The Brooklyn native, known for his sharp jab and excellent footwork, kept Paro at bay while landing clean right hands that disrupted the flow of Paro’s offense.
In the early rounds, Paro was the more aggressive fighter, but Hitchens’ timing and ability to counter effectively started to shift the momentum. Paro’s strategy was to stay on the attack, but Hitchens responded with precise right-hand counters that made Paro reconsider his approach. By round five, Hitchens’ corner urged him to pick up the pace, and that advice seemed to spark a change in his performance. He became more aggressive, landing hard shots and frustrating Paro with his defensive skill.
As the fight entered the second half, Hitchens continued to dominate. Paro’s left eye began to swell, a result of Hitchens’ constant pressure and sharp counters. The Puerto Rican crowd, which had initially favored Paro, began to recognize Hitchens’ impressive performance as he controlled the pace of the fight. In contrast, Paro struggled to land his own punches, often missing or being countered by Hitchens’ sharp jab and right hand.
The final rounds were a display of Hitchens’ resilience and boxing IQ. Despite Paro’s best efforts, Hitchens refused to let up, continuing to land clean shots while avoiding the dangerous exchanges Paro was trying to create. Hitchens’ strategy of maintaining distance and using his reach effectively was evident throughout the fight, and by the end of the 12 rounds, it was clear that he had gained the upper hand.
After 12 thrilling rounds, the judges’ scorecards were read, with one scoring it in favor of Paro, and two giving the victory to Hitchens by split decision. The final scores were:Nelson Vasquez:
117-111 for Paro
Zappia: 116-112 for Hitchens
Frank Lombard: 116-112 for Hitchens
Richardson Hitchens emerged victorious by split decision, becoming the new IBF Junior Welterweight Champion of the world. This victory marked a significant milestone in Hitchens’ career as he proved his skills and resilience against a tough opponent in Liam Paro.
With this win, Hitchens secures his place among the best in the division, and his performance tonight will be remembered as a textbook example of how to control a fight with precision, timing, and strategy.
