Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins: Boxing Picks, Predictions and Odds

Two unbeaten fighters meet at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Saturday night as Liam Paro defends his IBF junior welterweight title against Richardson Hitchins.

This is Hitchins’ first attempt at becoming a world champion after putting together an 18-0 record.

Australian Paro is 25-0 with 15 KOs and he is defending the title for the first time since outpointing Subriel Matias in his last bout.

Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins betting picks and predictions

Liam Paro Win (-125)

On paper this looks close to the definition of a ‘pick’em’ encounter and the odds reflect that, with defending champion Paro only a marginal favourite.

Hitchins does have a size and reach advantage and he is an awkward fighter who has never really been dragged into any trouble, but Paro is a slick southpaw with a little bit more experience and power than his American opponent.

The challenger does have the bigger names on his CV and he has a good win over a southpaw on his record, having claimed a unanimous decision win over the 37-3 Jose Zepeda in September of last year.

However, Paro’s last five opponents have had a combined record of 90–3-2 so he has been facing quality operators and he’s been tested against up-and-coming fighters, and he could be in line for the biggest win of his career against the highly-rated Hitchins.

This could well be a bout that is decided by fine margins and Paro’s power could be the difference maker. Hitchins has only recorded seven stoppages in an 18-fight career and if Paro is able to walk through a few pouches and get inside he could do a bit of damage from close range - and that may be enough to convince the judges he should keep hold of his IBF crown.

Liam Paro 50+ jabs landed (+137)

Paro got his gameplan right against a big hitter in Matias last time out but he will need to alter his tactics to beat a very different type of fighter in Hitchins.

The Queenslander won’t throw as many jabs as his opponent, who has that clear reach advantage, but he has to keep busy to stop Hitchins finding his own rhythm and that means trying to work behind his jab whenever possible. His southpaw stance might work in his favour when it comes to landing his shots, so 50 or more landed looks a total he can reach.

Liam Paro to win by decision or technical decision (+150)

It seems highly likely that the judges will be required in Puerto Rico on Saturday night as two intelligent and unbeaten boxers meet. This is far more likely to be a tactical battle than a firefight, so backing Paro to win on points is the standout bet in the method of victory market.

Hitchins has never been stopped or even dropped, and Paro only has one stoppage win in his last five fights despite boasting a solid KO rate of 60%. This fight may well be so close that there will be calls for a rematch in the immediate aftermath, but Paro has enough quality and tenacity to edge a decision.

Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins odds

	Liam Paro	Richardson Hitchins
Money Line	-130	+100
By KO, TKO, DQ	+450	+800
By Decision or Technical Decision	+150	+160

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.