IBF Title Eliminator Ordered to Decide Hitchins’ Mandatory Challenger

As reported by Dan Rafael and others, the IBF has ordered an intriguing super lightweight title eliminator, with former champ Liam Paro potentially facing undefeated Mexican Lindolfo Delgado. If finalised, Liam Paro vs Richardson Hitchins would determine the next mandatory challenger for Richardson Hitchins, who holds the belt after defeating Paro last year.

IBF Orders Super Lightweight Eliminator – Liam Paro vs Lindolfo Delgado

Liam Paro vs Lindolfo Delgado

Liam Paro vs Lindolfo Delgado looks likely, with both conveying via their respective promoters that they are willing to fight in the eliminator. Once the willingness was conveyed, the IBF gave both teams until July 15 to conclude negotiations. If these talks are not fruitful, a purse bid will then be scheduled.

Paro (26-1, 16 KOs) lost the IBF crown to Hitchins on December 7, 2024, but did return to winning ways recently, comprehensively beating Jonathan Navarro. This will be a step up in class for Delgado (23-0, 16 KOs), whose best wins have come against Miguel Zamudio,
Carlos Sanchez and Jackson Martinez.

Paro Reacts to No Limit Deal

No Limit Boxing recently announced Paro had signed a multi-year promotional deal with them. No Limit CEO George Rose reacted to the news of the eliminator: “This is exactly what we promised Liam Paro when he came home — that he’d headline in Australia and be back on the path to a world title. And now, here we are.”

Paro has reacted to signing with No Limit: “I’m proud to have signed with No Limit. It feels like home and that means the world to me. I’ve fought all over the world, but nothing compares to walking out in front of a packed Aussie crowd. That’s what I’ve always wanted, to come back, be a headline act in my own country, and fight for world titles right here at home.

“I’ve proven this is my division, and I want to be world champion again. That’s the goal. The bigger the names, the better. Whatever’s going to elevate my career, that’s what I’m here for.”

Liam Paro vs Lindolfo Delgado, if made, would be an intriguing clash, with both known for their precise punching. If Delgado can get his jab going early, it could spell trouble for Paro, but the Australian is as brave as they come and will keep trying to close the distance and unload body shots.