Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins: Press Conference Quotes and Fight Prediction

Liam Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) will make the first defence of his super lightweight championship against Richardson Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs).

Their bout headlines a Matchroom Boxing card at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Boxing fans around the world can catch the action live on DAZN. Paro’s IBF super lightweight title, which he won via unanimous decision against Subriel Matías earlier this year, will be at stake.

Ahead of their December 7 clash, both men spoke at a press conference. Below is some of what they had to say.

Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins Press Conference Quotes

Liam Paro

“It’s truly exciting, you know,” said Paro. “I’m very excited to be back in beautiful Puerto Rico. The country that gave me the opportunity to become champion. Come back here to win some more fans this time around. Very special. I just want to add to my Spanish from last time. Puerto Rico, Estoy de vuelta. Mucho Amo y respeto. ¡Vamos [Puerto Rico, I’m back. Much love and respect. Let’s go]! I’m excited, you know. We’ve put in hard yards in this camp. We’re ready. Look, we know the task ahead of us. You never overlook an opponent and we’re coming in guns blazing. Ready to put on a show for everybody here on Saturday night.”

Richardson Hitchins

“It’s definitely a surreal moment, you know what I’m saying?” said Hitchins. “I just feel like it’s not as surprising as when I first signed with you [Eddie Hearn]. When I first signed with you, I always wondered ‘I can’t wait till it’s my first world title fight’ or ‘how it would be?’ But, now that I’m more seasoned to the sport, I’ve been showing I’ve been at a world title level since I first signed with you. Always came into fights in shape. Always showed that I’m a purist in the sport of boxing. All-round fighter. So, [I’ve] been at the world stage. Now it’s just start showing the world that this is the only place that I belong. I don’t feel like my type of boxing will be accepted anywhere else but the world stage. I’m not the type of guy that you’ll see my type of talent at club shows and BB Kings in New York somewhere. I belong at this stage right here. Sitting next to Eddie Hearn, fighting the best fighters because that’s just the talent I bring to the sport and Saturday night, I’ll display it again.”

Fight Prediction

Paro had success the last time he was in Puerto Rico. However, it seems unlikely that he will replicate that this time around. Hitchins is not as reliant on his power as some other boxers are and he should be able to outbox the reigning champion comfortably. Expect to see a unanimous decision win for Hitchins as he becomes the new IBF super lightweight champion.

Full Press Conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.