IBF super-Lightweight champion Liam Paro (25-0 15 KOs) of Australia will make the first defense of his title against Richardson Hitchins (18-0 7 KOs). Paro vs. Richardson takes place on Saturday December 7 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico, live on DAZN.
The champion Paro traveled into Matias's hometown of Manati, Puerto Rico to win a a unanimous decision to capture the IBF 140 pound title. Hitchins defeated Argentinian Gustavo Lemos as he pulled the decision in his last fight earning him a shot at the title.
“All the so-called big guys at 140lbs lost their tongues so I decided to bring on my mandatory defense early against Hitchins and clear the path for 2025,” said Paro. “I can’t wait to fight and show again why I’m the top guy at 140! I’m coming to shine again in beautiful Puerto Rico!”
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been telling anyone who would listen that I’m the best 140 lbs fighter on the planet,” said Hitchins. “On December 7, I finally get the chance to solidify that.
“Hats off to Liam Paro, he beat the so-called boogeyman of the division, but I ain’t Subriel Matias. He’s never been in with a fighter like me before. He didn’t want this fight, and it’s for good reason.
“This is my division. I am the man at 140 and once I get this belt, I’m bringing it back to New York and everything runs through me. And the new!”
In the undercard, super featherweight Puerto Ricans Henry Lebron (19-0 10 KOs) and Christopher Diaz (29-5 19 KOs) will square off in the co-feature bout.
“I am very happy with this opportunity to fight again in Puerto Rico in front of my people,”: said Lebron. “This is going to be a great card. We are ready to give a great show. I am counting on all my Puerto Rican Fans!”
“As a proud Puerto Rican, fighting in front of my countrymen on December7 means everything to me,” said Diaz. “There's no greater feeling than representing my people and putting on a show for them. I’m coming into this fight fully prepared, and I’m ready to leave it all in the ring against Henry Lebron. This is for Puerto Rico, and I won’t let them down.”
Puerto Rican Olympian Yankiel Rivera (6-0 2 KOs) will also be on the card.
“Just over two years ago, I made my professional debut,” said Rivera, whose opponent will be announced soon. “It has been a tough road full of worthy opponents. I feel that my time has come. We are very close to that World title shot I’ve been dreaming of since I was a little kid. Last June, we packed Manatí. On December 7, we are packing the legendary Roberto Clemente.
“It will be a great honor for me to fight in the same venue where so many great ones have fought, including Trinidad and Gómez. We are going to be in top shape come fight date, and I am giving my people the show they deserve. I want all those great, loyal and knowledgeable Puerto Rican fans to be there for a great night of boxing. It will be a boxing night to remember. I see you there, Puerto Rico!”
Welterweight Jalil Hackett (9-0 7 KOs) takes on Puerto Rico’s former amateur standout Jose Roman (13-1 6 KOs). Undefeated lightweight Marc Castro (13-0 8 KOs) of Fresno, California will also be in action vs. an opponent to be named.
Undefeated womens welterweight Stephanie Pineiro (7-0 2 KOs) will fight an eight round bout against an opponent to be announced soon.Puerto Rico’s Juan Zayas (10-0-1 8 KOs) takes on Dominican Marcelino Nieves (19-0 13 KOs) in an eight round eight rounds at bantamweight bout and Matchroom’s Puerto Rican talent William Ortiz (6-0 4 KOs) faces fellow unbeaten Puerto Rican Lionell Colon (6-0 3 KOs) in a scheduled eight round bout.
“We are thrilled to be back in Puerto Rico with a brilliant main event and stacked undercard,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Liam was sensational when he ripped the strap from Subriel in June in a career-best performance against one of the most avoided fighters in the sport. Liam was happy to take on that challenge, and he’s happy to take on another difficult but very different challenge in Richardson. I’m fascinated to see how this fight plays out, and while it’s never easy to pit two of our fighters against each other, this is exactly what should be happening in the game – the best versus the best – and for both men it’s the chance to back up what they both say – that they are the man at 140lbs,"
“The atmosphere in June in Manati was electric from the opening bell to the end, and we’ve got an undercard line-up that will have the fans on the edge of their seats like that once again. Lebron-Diaz will be a war, Yankiel is ready for a World title and he’ll show that in December, while Jalil has to be commended for taking on another challenge at such a young age.
“It’s action-packed from the opening bell to the last, and we can’t wait to close our 2024 in style in Puerto Rico.”
“It’s a great honor for me to have the opportunity to partner with Eddie Hearn and our friends at Matchroom to bring World championship boxing to Puerto Rico, where we’re combining the best boxing from Puerto Rico with the best boxing in the world,” said Javier Bustillo, Universal Promotions CEO. “I’m grateful with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and the Municipality of San Juan, who did not hesitate to join us and support this event. It will be a great night of boxing from Puerto Rico to the whole world.”
Comments