Mandatory challenger Richardson Hitchins weighed in at 139.8 pounds, and IBF light welterweight champion Liam Paro came in at 139.6 lbs on Friday at their weigh-in for Saturday’s contest at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom)
Hitchins (19-0, 7KOs) looked like he was carved out of stone with his physique cut up like a statue. In contrast, Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) didn’t look as well-trained and had dark circles under both eyes, suggesting that he’s had some restless nights, perhaps worrying about the risky fight in front of him.
Paro, 28, cannot afford to lose this fight because he’s got a big-money match against fellow Aussie, George Kambosos, that is being floated as the next match if he’s victorious.
“It’s crunch time. The talking is done. I’m ready to get in there and put on a show,” said Liam Paro after weighing in. “I’m one sleep away from finding out what they’re all about.”
“This is great. I belong at the world level. My talent doesn’t belong nowhere else. If I was fighting any type of different competition, it would be kind of bullying,” said Richardson Hitchins.
“I’m supposed to be fighting the best guys in the world, because the fans would be calling it any way. I want to thank Eddie Hearn for giving me this opportunity. There was no easy fights to get to a world title. I earned my spot to get to the world title.
“It wasn’t like I was a #2 or #3 guy and Eddie called me an asked me if I would like to fight for a world title. I had to earn my spot, and that’s what I did. For the fans out there, I’m finally here. I finally made it to the championship, and tomorrow night, we’re going to put on a great performance and I’m going to keep showing the world what got me here. That I’m a tremendous fighter all around,” said Hitchins.
