Richardson Hitchins worked his way up the ladder in boxing that many only dream about when first learning the ways of the Sweet Science. The 27-year-old wants to put all that into one perfect performance in front of a worldwide audience.
Hitchins challenges Liam Paro for the IBF super lightweight title on December 7. In Puerto Rico, it is the first major world title Hitchins is competing for, headlining a major show and potentially becoming the promised one after signing a multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing in 2022.
Born in Brooklyn, Hitchins would tell you this fight is a long time coming.
“It feels like the time is finally here. I’ve been working towards this my whole life. I always knew I was going to be a world champion,” Hitchins told The Sporting News. “I was always one of those guys that whenever they walked into a boxing atmosphere, gym, event… when I was a kid, I always felt like I was an upper-echelon fighter. A special and talented fighter.”
WATCH: Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins, live on DAZN
Though he failed to qualify for the Olympics, it didn’t stop Hitchins from following his dream. He fought most of his fights in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, entertaining family, friends, and those who would show up. He then moved up the cards, impressing with his in-ring and promo skills.
Under the Matchroom brand, he headlined a fight night where he beat multi-time title-challenger Jose Zepeda, a major step up in competition. His last fight was against Gustavo Daniel Lemos, defeating the previously unbeaten fighter in a close contest. The pressure to fight someone with double the knockouts, more fights or more wins than him is always there, but Hitchins has thrived under it.
Paro beat Subriel Matias in June to win the IBF super lightweight title despite being deducted a point. The Aussie has 15 wins via knockout and has been a revelation under the Matchroom brand since also signing a multi-fight deal.
Another undefeated fighter to face, Hitchins welcomes the challenge. He believes he is a champion for a reason, but there are ways in which he has an edge over Paro.
“I believe he has sneaky power,” Hitchins said of his opponent. “He has boxing common sense — he’s not going to take one and get one. He has a Mexican type of style and boxing awareness. Definitely a hard worker and a grinder. Paro looks like a guy that takes his craft serious.
MORE: Our expert predicts Paro vs. Hitchins title bout
“When it comes to everything else, I don’t think he does anything special. There are no special effects. Things I’m going to take advantage of… I just think I’m on a higher level. I’m the better boxer and fighter, the more polished fighter. His best bet is to work hard and just come out and fight.
“I’ve never seen Paro as a guy that came out and fight. That’s not his approach. I’ll pick him off all night if he wants to bring that approach… We’ll see who the better boxer is at the high level.”
Going from an opener to a headliner would make any fighter nervous. Hitchins feels right at home. Over time, he’s had advice from the fighters he’s shared cards with and those around his circle, from Gervonta Davis, the Charlo brothers, Adrien Broner, and Erickson Lubin. It was rewarding to learn and grow from those fighters, among others.
Heading into the bout, Paro has been talking about making it a dog fight, that a fast-paced style could benefit him. Bewildered by those statements, Hitchins questioned what he meant by that and if Paro truly believes that will stop him. If he sticks to that game plan, it could be a long night for the Aussie.
MORE: Breaking down the entire Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins undercard
“What is a dog fight? Who is a dog-like fighter? That’s not the name of the sport. When guys talk like that, that to me means I have more experience than Paro,” Hitchins said. “He’s a champion, but he’s a green champion, a limited champion. When I hear that, I see it as he’s getting in shape to come forward and throw a lot of punches.
“I like quality over quantity… When I think of ‘dog fight,’ I think of James Kirkland and what he did against Canelo (Alvarez). Getting to Canelo’s chest and making it a ‘dog fight.’ If he wants to do that, hey, OK. I guess he saw Lemos come out and make it that type of fight, but with no success. Most of his punches were ineffective; he was throwing, but they were ineffective. You look at me, my punches landed were way more accurate.
“Liam Paro is going to have some adjustments to make once that stops working on December 7.”
Hitchins believes he can stop Paro. His confidence is sky-high. Can that last when the spotlight is on him?
