Paro claims Hitchins had a 'gifted' decision in last fight with Lemos

LIAM PARO expects a much better version of Richardson Hitchins to challenge him on Saturday night than fighter Gustavo Lemos who nearly upset April 6 in Las Vegas.

That said, Paro, 25-0 (15 KOs) doesn't think Hitchins, 18-0 (7 KOs), deserves that shot at the Australian southpaw's IBF junior welterweight title. Paro believes Lemos should have won his 12-round IBF elimination match at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

All three judges disagreed with Paro's perception of what happened that night. New York's Hitchins won a unanimous decision because Tim Cheatham (117-111), Max De Luca (115-113) and Steve Weisfeld (115-113) all scored their fight for the 2016 Haitian Olympian .

“I honestly think he received a decision,” Paro said Boxing News. “This is also the case for 90 percent of the world's population. You know, it is what it is. They say you're only as good as your last fight. And look, he'll get better. I know he will get better. It's his move. I remember how hungry I was when I got my title shot [against Subriel Matias]. But yes, he had the gift to make this decision. That said, it’s now a clean slate. So, like I told him face-to-face, no excuses. I want the best Hitchins. And yes, let's do it.

Hitchins said he had extreme difficulty making the 140-pound junior welterweight limit before fighting Lemos, 29-2 (19 KOs), whom lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis demolished by knockout in the second tour on November 8 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. hometown Davis, 12-0 (8 KOs, 1 NC). Hitchins also injured his right hand during training camp, which he said hampered him against Lemos.

His performance against Lemos aside, Paro realizes he will meet a competent boxer in a 12-round main event that DAZN will broadcast from the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Look, you have to give credit where credit is due,” Paro said. “He is undefeated. He's the number one contender for a reason, so listen, he's a good fighter. He’s a good boxer and that’s how he’ll want the fight to go. He's going to want a boxing match. But yeah, I can't wait to get this show on the road on December 7th.^thfirst defense of my title. My coach came up with a good game plan and now it's up to me to execute it.

DAZN's coverage of the Paro-Hitchins undercard is scheduled to begin at midnight GMT in the UK (7 p.m. ET in the US). Paro will make his first defense of an IBF belt he won by defeating Puerto Rico's Matias, 21-2 (21 KO), unanimously on points in their 12-rounder on June 15 at the Juan Abreu Coliseum in Manati , Puerto Rico.