The last time we saw Richardson Hitchins in April, he looked vulnerable in a fight against Gustavo Lemos, as many observers believe he lost the contest despite being awarded a split decision win.

The last time we saw Liam Paro in June, he looked dominant and scored one of the leading candidates for upset of the year, beating Subriel Matías via unanimous decision for the IBF junior welterweight title.

On Saturday, Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) will defend his title for the first time against the mandatory challenger Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs) in San Juan, Puerto Rico on DAZN.

Hitchins’ confidence is still operating at peak levels despite surviving the near scare against Lemos.

“I know the sport of boxing. Liam Paro is not on my level,” Hitchins told BoxingScene. “He beat a guy in Matias who had limited skills, flat feet, and no special effects. A fighter that makes a living off of absorbing and taking punches and wearing guys down. I’m a different type of fighter with a different type of pedigree. I’m not a guy who builds my career from an upset win or careful matchmaking. I have a lot of pedigree from the amateurs to the pros.

“I’m not impressed by him or Matias. Me and Matias are on two different levels. He made a living off of having big balls and being durable. I made a living off of being a pure, technical boxer. It’s different. People are saying I never raised my hand to fight Matias and I ducked him. I never got a contract to fight Matias. I earned my way through the IBF route.”

Paro, a 28-year-old from Australia, has been building serious momentum over the last three years, beating then-undefeated fighters Brock Jarvis and Yomar Alamo and knocking out Montana Love last December.

“Paro has a good left hand,” said Hitchins. “That’s the shot that I have to take away. He’s a one-trick pony. When it comes to his offense, I don’t see versatility. I don’t see sharp, accurate body shots, good uppercuts, and quick hooks.

“I hope he enjoys his five minutes of fame. He’s not on my level. It’s going to be a masterclass performance.”

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter whose work has appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports, USA Today, The Guardian, Newsweek, Men’s Health, NFL.com, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Ring Magazine and more. He has been writing for BoxingScene since 2018.