Devin Haney vs Liam Paro

This looks like twelve rounds of awkward, competitive boxing to me. Haney will want it tidy; Paro needs to make him work between the clean exchanges. Devin’s performance against Brian Norman Jr. restored some confidence in his ability to control a dangerous opponent. Paro’s wins over Matias and Crocker show he won’t be intimidated by a reputation.

I favour Haney’s judgement of distance. Against a southpaw, he can use the lead hand to occupy Paro’s right glove, then send the straight right through before stepping away. But Devin must avoid reaching for a clinch with his chin exposed. Paro should attack the body as Haney withdraws and keep punching when they come together.

Liam’s strength is his ability to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm with movement, bursts of punches and physical work. His problem is that Haney doesn’t need to follow him around. The Hitchins defeat showed how difficult things become when Paro has to manufacture openings against a disciplined boxer. I’d want more feints from Liam before that left hand, because predictable entries will invite counters.

I’m picking Haney by unanimous decision. Paro will make him uncomfortable, but I expect Devin to land the clearer single shots and control enough of the action at distance to earn the verdict.