As the lights dimmed and anticipation surged through the crowd in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the boxing world shifted its focus to the thrilling headliner featuring IBF light welterweight champion Liam Paro. Taking center stage against the formidable Richardson Hitchins, this match was guaranteed to deliver intensity. The event, broadcast live on DAZN, promised not only drama at the top of the card but also a series of compelling undercard fights that kept fans eagerly engaged.
In one of the earlier bouts, super featherweight Henry Lebron (20-0, 10 KOs) demonstrated his ability to adapt and strategically navigate through a challenging match against veteran Christopher Diaz (29-5, 19 KOs). Winning by unanimous decision, with judges scoring it 97-93, 97-93, and 96-94, Lebron’s performance showcased a blend of caution and agility. Throughout the ten rounds, Lebron exhibited an evasive fighting style, moving and scoring while avoiding Diaz’s hard-hitting blows.
Despite his success, there were moments of concern, particularly as he sustained a forehead cut due to a clash of heads in the eighth round. The persistent threat of Diaz’s punches kept the audience on edge, yet Lebron’s consistent movement and tactical patience earned him the decision. While not a bout that left jaws dropping, it was a reminder of the strategic art of boxing and how a fighter can leverage movement to avoid risk while still obtaining victory.
In the flyweight division, Yaniel Rivera (7-0, 3 KOs) delivered a spectacular performance that no one saw coming with his fourth-round knockout against Angel Gonzalez (14-1, 7 KOs). Rivera demonstrated not only power but precision as he floored Gonzalez three times during the fight. The initial knockdown in the third round sent a clear message about Rivera’s intentions, with a powerful right hook that laid the groundwork for his domination.
The referee had no choice but to halt the bout after the second knockdown in the fourth round, as Gonzalez struggled to stay competitive, often resorting to holding tactics to preserve himself. Rivera’s victory was celebrated not only for the outcome but for the exciting manner in which he achieved it. It was a compelling display of intensity that rejuvenated the crowd and set the tone for excitement moving forward.
Quintana Upsets Castro
Another highlight of the evening was lightweight Agustin Ezequiel Quintana’s (21-2-1, 13 KOs) split-decision victory over the previously unbeaten Marc Castro (13-1, 8 KOs). This match played out as a tale of two halves—Castro started strong, controlling the early rounds with a barrage of punches. However, as fatigue began to creep into Castro’s performance, Quintana seized the opportunity to shift momentum in the later rounds.
The judges scored the bout 97-93 for Quintana, 96-94 for Castro, and 96-94 for Quintana again, illustrating the tight contest and how pivotal the final rounds were in determining the outcome. The crowd’s reaction echoed the unpredictability of boxing, as many expected Castro to continue his unbeaten streak. Instead, Quintana’s perseverance and tactical acumen led him to a noteworthy upset, reminding fans that every fighter can bring a twist to the narrative.
The culmination of the evening lay in the main event featuring Liam Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) defending his IBF light welterweight title against Richardson Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs). Paro, known for his blue-collar, workman-like approach, faced a critical test against the fast and technically skilled Hitchins. While Paro’s tactical holding and pushing strategies had previously earned him victory against formidable opponent Subriel Matias, the question loomed over whether such tactics would suffice against the skillful Hitchins.
Hitchins, fresh off a controversial win over Gustavo Lemos, entered the ring with both confidence and a determination to prove that his previous performance was not merely an anomaly. Boxing fans were left in suspense, wondering if Paro’s methods would hold up against a fighter known for his elegance in the ring. Would Paro regain momentum, or would Hitchins seize the day and claim his first world title?
As anxious fans awaited the thrilling showdown, it became clear that the night in San Juan—filled with highs and lows—was shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in the boxing world, highlighting the beauty and unpredictability present in the sport. Each fighter contributed to a night that showcased both resilience and artistry, reaffirming boxing’s standing as a truly riveting spectacle.