Connect with us

Boxing

Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins discuss their December 7 world title fight

Published

on

Paro vs Hitchins

IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Liam “The Prodigy” Paro and undefeated mandatory challenger Richardson Hitchins are ready for a high-stakes world title clash on Saturday, December 7, live worldwide on DAZN (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. :00 PT) with Roberto Clemente Coliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Both players shared observations about their training camps and mental preparations before this key clash.

Paro (25-0, 15 KO) secured the IBF title after a thrilling unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matías earlier this year that cemented his position as a true “road warrior” in the division. “Getting rid of the so-called boogeyman in his yard made it really special,” Paro said. “It wasn’t just about winning, it was about showing the world what we already knew. I will fight anyone, anywhere, the same way I fought the most shunned fighter in the division [Matias]”

Fresh off a career-defining victory in Puerto Rico, 140-pound champion Paro shared his excitement about defending his title in front of enthusiastic local fans. “Puerto Rico is a handsome place, full of handsome people, and I am honored to defend my title there,” Paro said. “Coming back to the island that gave me the opportunity to become a champion is something special. I’m ready to win even more fans with this performance.”

Despite fulfilling a lifelong dream, Paro insists his way of thinking has not changed. “I always said I wanted to have a target on my back. “It’s even more motivating to know that someone wants to take away what I’ve worked for all my life,” he explained. “I have maintained my discipline and focus and my attitude remains the same – I am always a challenger. I know how tough this fight will be, but I’m ready to show the world what we already know. I’m one of the best fighters in my division.”

Hitchins (18-0, 7 KO), who became the mandatory challenger earlier this year, wants to prove that he belongs at the top of the division. “This is my unit. I’m a 140-year-old man and when I get that belt, I’m taking it back to Fresh York,” Hitchins said. “This is my chance to show everyone what I’ve always said – I’m the best 140-pound fighter in the world. Hats off to Liam Paro for taking the fight, but he’s never fought someone like me.”

Hitchins is trained by Lenny Wilson, who has played a key role in his development and success. Hitchins, who is currently training in Brooklyn, plans to move his camp to Puerto Rico this week for the final stage of preparation. “I don’t take days off; I stay in shape year-round because it’s my job,” Hitchins said. “The discipline I learned from champions like Floyd Mayweather and Gervonta Davis helped me prepare for this moment. I feel like I’m in my best physical shape and I’ve made sure my mental game is just as good.

Paro trains in Florida under his longtime coach Alfie Di Carlo, who has played a key role in shaping his career. “We know the task ahead of us will not be effortless and we have an excellent game plan,” Paro said. “I have said for a long time that I have the best team in the world and we continue to show it in every fight. This one will be no different.”

While considering their opponent, both fighters made their intentions clear. “Paro beat the so-called boogeyman of this division, but I’m not Matías,” Hitchins said. “He has never fought a fighter like me before. I have the skills, attitude and ability to blow it away and show why I’m at the top of the division. Whether it’s boxing or fighting, I will find a way to win.

Paro remains equally confident: “I don’t look at anyone,” he said. “I’m focused on winning and continuing to grow as a champion. My goal is clear: to retain the title and prove that I am the best in the division.”

Both fighters understand what’s at stake and are excited to prove themselves in a division packed with talent. “I wouldn’t consider it a shocking moment,” Hitchins said. “Since I was a child, I believed I was a higher-class fighter. This fight is the moment I’ve been working for my whole life.”

“God willing, December 7 will be another defining event in my career,” Paro added. “I’m ready to put on a dominant performance and show again why I’m a top contender at 140 pounds.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Boxing

Ryan Rozicki is waiting for Badou Jack’s consent to mandatory cooperation with the WBC

Published

on

Badou Jack Rozicki Mikaelian WBC

The World Boxing Council (WBC) ordered world cruiserweight champion Badou “The Ripper” Jack (20-1-1, 19 KO) to make a mandatory title defense against Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1), number 1 in the WBC ranking – 1, 19 KOs).

If both camps fail to successfully negotiate an agreement, the WBC will organize a tender on February 4, followed by the Jack vs. Rozicki. Rozicki’s promoter, Three Lions Promotions, immediately sent Team Jacek an offer to promote the fight in Canada last week.

“We are waiting for their counteroffer,” explained promoter Dan Otter of Three Lions Promotions. “Boxing has had a huge resurgence in Canada and Ryan is leading the way. He is one of the most electrifying and hardest-hitting fighters in boxing, definitely in the cruiserweight division. He wants the WBC green belt and ultimately the unification of the division. Ryan will fight Jack anywhere for the belt.”

29-year-old Rozicki, born in Sydney (Nova Scotia) and living in Hamilton (Ontario), fought 22 professional fights against 21 different opponents (twice against Yamil Alberto Peralta), stopping 19 of the 20 opponents he defeated. an eye-opening 95-KO percentage.

Jack, 41, was a 2008 Olympian representing his native Sweden. He is a three-division world champion, as well as the WBC super middleweight and World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight heavyweight title holder. Jack has a record of 5-0-2 (2 KO) in world championship fights.

“We respect Jack and I don’t want to sound disrespectful,” Otter added, “but he’s over 40 years vintage and has been relatively inactive for two years (only one fight). He brings a lot of experience and respect to the ring, but he will fight a newborn defender with a lot of power. Jack is going to struggle and honestly, I don’t think he’ll make it past the first few rounds.”

Ryan Rozicki is on a mission to become the first Canadian cruiserweight world champion.

The next move is Badou Jack’s.

Continue Reading

Boxing

Floyd Mayweather’s record is not normal, it can’t happen in 70 years

Published

on

Floyd Mayweather 50-0

Floyd Mayweather’s incredible 50-0 record is not normal and cannot be repeated in sports for another seventy years.

This is the view of Saudi Arabian president Turki Alalshikh, who wants to adopt the UFC model in which fighters lose many fights during their career.

In a speech as he hosted the Ring Magazine Awards after acquiring the long-running boxing publication from Oscar De La Hoya, Alalshikh was unequivocal in his opinion.

“Now losing some fights in boxing must be normal,” he explained. “All fighters want a career similar to Floyd Mayweather – no losses. This may happen once every 50, 60 or 70 years.

“We need it [to be] like currently in the UFC model, where champions lose and win,” added the matchmaker during the Riyad season.

Mayweather rose through the sport in the tardy 1990s to become one of its youngest superstars. Mayweather’s professional success came after winning a bronze medal at the Olympics after losing to Serafim Todorov.

Winning world titles in five weight classes, Mayweather was untouchable. The Grand Rapids native only came close to defeat a few times. He dominated Manny Pacquiao and overtook Canelo Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya after heated debates, with decisions that should have been made unanimously.

Towards the end of his career, Mayweather chose to face Andre Berto and Conor McGregor, easily winning and ending his boxing career at the age of 50 without ever going out. Calling himself “the greatest of all time,” Mayweather earned first-ballot Hall of Fame honors and is widely considered one of, if not the greatest defensive fighter of all time.

However, Alalshikh says this type of career needs to end so that fans can get the most out of boxing, as is the case with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Boxing needs to become more attractive, and Alalshikh sees the failures of top stars as a way to keep interest at an all-time high.

In this sport, many boxers enjoy undefeated streaks, the most notable of which is Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian Pound for Pound King is 23-0 and has beaten the best he has to offer in his division and cruiserweight classification.

It remains a mystery how Alalshikh plans to make Usyk suffer while he dominates everyone else. By the time his grand plan goes into action, Usyk will be long gone, and Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney may be more realistic targets.

Continue Reading

Boxing

Manny Pacquiao remains the favorite to win the title against Mario Barrios

Published

on

Manny Pacquiao vs Barrios

WBN understands that despite alternative options emerging, it is more likely that Manny Pacquiao will face Mario Barrios next.

Bob Santos, coach of WBC welterweight champion Barrios, told World Boxing News that he is currently in contact with Pacquiao’s team. Asked by WBN if he had spoken to Pacquiao or representatives of any other challenger, Santos replied: “Yes, Pacquiao’s promoter, Sean Gibbons.” Pressed on whether Barrios vs Pacquiao might happen next, he added: “It’s challenging to say. We’ll have to see how this plays out.”

WBN contacted Santos after Conor Benn emerged as a potential alternative to Barrios. The British fighter, who recently returned from a suspension following two positive drug tests, is keen to return to competition.

Benn showed favor with the World Boxing Council at the recent WBC Convention, the WBC Evaluation Committee and during an interview with the sanctioning body over the weekend. “The Destroyer” is ranked second in the rankings at 147 pounds, despite less than solid opponents during his time in exile, during which Benn competed twice in the United States while his career in the United Kingdom was in doubt.

As he battled to clear his name and with the British Anti-Doping Authority finding no evidence that Benn had intentionally taken ostarine, the 28-year-old’s career took a pointed nosedive. Despite this, he remains highly rated and at least one step away from fighting for an eliminator or one of the remaining championship titles.

However, Pacquiao remains Barrios’ favorite. Now it’s up to the boxing legend and Hall of Famer who got the first votes to secure his shot. WBN believes a July date – most likely at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas – is the most realistic date for a Nevada swan song.

Pacquiao could extend his record as the oldest welterweight champion by six years if he can secure a huge victory over the 29-year-old world champion. At 46 years antique, such a scenario remains unlikely, but he can never be compared to one of the greatest players of this generation.

Unlike heavier boxers and his training regiment, Pacquiao looks in great shape despite his advanced age. Everything is set for a massive return to the boxing capital of the world, provided Pacquiao and his team can manage his political ambitions, which are expected to run from this month until May. After that time, Pacquiao could find himself in the summer finals and become the all-time champion, regardless of the result.

Barrios is based in the city, where he trained with Santos, and would be the perfect opponent to see out the career of one of the greatest fighters in history.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending