Richardson Hitchins Beats Liam Paro to Win IBF Title

Richardson Hitchins claimed the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight Title with a split-decision victory over Liam Paro at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the DAZN-televised main event. The fight’s scoring—117-111 for Paro and 116-112 twice for Hitchins—sparked debate, as Hitchins seemed to dominate the latter half of the bout with precise boxing and ring generalship.

Paro, a previously undefeated Australian southpaw, began the fight aggressively, controlling the early moments with his pressure and high activity. Hitchins, known for his composure and sharp counterpunching, spent the opening rounds adjusting to Paro’s pace. The first round went to Paro on most observers’ cards, as he outworked Hitchins with a consistent jab and bodywork.

Hitchins found his rhythm in the second and third rounds, landing clean right hands and using his jab to neutralize Paro’s advances. The American’s accuracy began to shine through, though Paro’s persistence ensured the rounds were competitive. The fourth saw Paro briefly regain momentum, using his high-volume punching to offset Hitchins’ sharper shots.

The fight turned in Hitchins’ favour starting in the fifth round, spurred on by motivational words from his trainer, Lenny Wilson. A sharp right hand in the middle of the round visibly affected Paro, signalling a shift in control. From that point, Hitchins dictated the pace with his jab, clean combinations, and movement, frustrating Paro and limiting his opportunities.

By the eighth, Hitchins was entirely in command. A series of body shots and straight punches forced Paro to retreat, and swelling around Paro’s right eye began to worsen. While Paro continued to press forward, his punches lacked the effectiveness to trouble Hitchins, whose footwork and defence kept him out of danger.

Hitchins maintained his lead in the championship rounds, landing the cleaner, more accurate punches. Paro’s desperation was evident in the 12th, but Hitchins remained poised, avoiding reckless exchanges and closing the fight on his terms.

The final scores caused confusion, with one judge inexplicably awarding a wide victory to Paro despite Hitchins’ dominance in the second half of the fight. Still, the 116-112 scores favouring Hitchins secured his victory, improving his record to 19-0 (7 KOs) and crowning him as Brooklyn’s newest world champion.

Paro, now 25-1 (15 KOs), suffered his first professional loss but showed heart and determination throughout the contest. For Hitchins, the win sets up potential marquee matchups, with Teofimo Lopez already named as a desired future opponent.