If you like upsets at big stages, then you will definitely like Liam Paro. And talk about doing it in style. The Australian fighter had a shut-out performance when he nullified the division’s boogeyman, Subriel Matias, and snatched his IBF gold strap in June this year. He now has to step into the champion’s shoes and fend off any attempts that Richardson Hitchins makes. Will he produce another inspiring performance? Or will he be taken down by a fellow stablemate?

The fans will get answers to these questions when the two Matchroom Boxing top talents fight it out with each other on December 7 in Coliseo Robert Clemente in San Juan. The prize on the line is the IBF super lightweight title. Not only does the fight offer fans a stylistic matchup, but it also promises them fast-paced action and fireworks. But before the two take center stage and decide the 140-pound division future, let’s have a look at how they stack up.

Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins: Tale of Tape

Paro, 28, propelled himself in popularity with his technical prowess and tactical intelligence. He doesn’t immediately catch your attention with his efficient fighting style but always does more than enough to bag wins. Matias, 32, was the victim of the Australian fighter’s precision and timing, as he used his jab and footwork to control the fight’s pace and distance. These weapons have ensured he keeps an unblemished record of 25-0 with 15 KOs. Despite not making a reputation as a knockout machine, a look at his 60% KO ratio could point out the power he packs behind his punches.

But it’s the Mackay native’s use of his dimensions that deserves your praise. He stands tall at 5’8½” (174 cm) and has a reach of 71″ (180 cm). Nothing extraordinary, yet he, fighting in a southpaw stance, utilizes jabs to set up attacks and uses his lateral movement to slip away from the opponents’ punches and land his heavy counters. It might spell trouble for the challenger.

Hitchins, 27, is the younger of the two and has fewer fights under his belt. He is your typical technically oriented and defense-centric fighter, who puts guard up rather than venturing out with free hands. The American fighter has a strong amateur base on which he built his professional career. What has been his highlight is his shoulder roll, which he employs in the ring to gain an edge and keep him ready to launch counters. He also has a perfect record of 18-0 with 7 KOs to show for it. If you want to get a fair picture of his fighting approach, you can look at his 38.89% KO ratio.

What’s more? The Brooklyn native carries the size advantage, as he stands tall at 5’10” (178 cm). In addition, he has a 3-inch reach advantage with his reach of 74″ (188 cm), which easily allows him to fight while leading with his jabs. Will it be enough, though?

Prediction: who wins it?

In his fight with Matias, Paro exhibited his credentials as a good puncher along with his good movement. The IBF champion has a cool, calm mind with a full focus on skill and strategy. But his last fight also proved that he could trade blows, take some blows, and still continue. He has a solid chin, and the challenger might not test it with his feeble jabs. However, Hutchins’ ring generalship, reach advantage, and counterpunching ability could test the champion.

It will all boil down to whether Paro could unload punches at high volume, keep Hitchins busy, and overwhelm him. He has a high work rate, which results in the same, and he won’t shy away from making it a dirty fight, too. The fight will likely go the distance. Given Hutchins’ last fight’s dismal performance against Gustavo Daniel Lemos, where many believed the latter had won the fight, and Paro’s high confidence, we have the champion defending his title. But you shouldn’t be surprised if Hitchins translates his advantage in body dimensions and comes out on top because of his defensive mastery and takes away the IBF title with him.

What do you make of this coming fight between Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins? Who do you think will leave the arena with a win? Let us know in the comments below.