Aussie Liam Paro has suffered the first defeat of his professional career with a harsh split decision loss to Richardson Hitchens, forfeiting his IBF junior welterweight world title in Puerto Rico. While the Aussie champion began strong, with even Hitchens’ corner believing Paro took the first four rounds, the Brooklyn fighter eventually seized control, leading […]
Aussie Liam Paro has suffered the first defeat of his professional career with a harsh split decision loss to Richardson Hitchens, forfeiting his IBF junior welterweight world title in Puerto Rico.
While the Aussie champion began strong, with even Hitchens’ corner believing Paro took the first four rounds, the Brooklyn fighter eventually seized control, leading commentators and fans to conclude it was a clear victory.
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The judges stepped in.
As any boxing enthusiast will tell you, bizarre scorecards have been common in recent bouts; the judges can certainly be unpredictable.
This instance was no exception, with Nelson Vazquez scoring it 117-111 in favor of Paro.
After the final bell, Paro appeared quite anxious, while Hitchens reveled in his victory; although Paro raised his arm, he did not seem particularly convincing.
However, the other two judges both scored it 116-112 in favor of Hitchens, crowning the American as boxing’s latest world champion.
Hitchens erupted in celebration within the ring, collapsing to the canvas in disbelief at what he had accomplished.
The boxing community, once more, was left puzzled by another questionable scorecard.
“A score of 117-111 for Paro is simply unfathomable,” remarked DAZN commentator Corey Erdman.
“Absolutely, that was awful. Someone needs to hold that judge accountable, because that was terrible,” added former WBC junior middleweight champion Sergio Mora.
They weren’t the only ones, as social media exploded in response to the verdict.
Boxing journalist Francisco A. Salazar tweeted: “Nelson Vazquez is the judge behind the 117-111 score for Paro. It’s one of the most outrageous scorecards ever seen. In an ideal world, Nelson Vazquez wouldn’t judge another major fight until he justifies this score.”
Three-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson tweeted: “Bro, whoever scored 117-111 for Paro needs to be banned from ever scoring a boxing match again! That was the craziest scorecard I’ve ever seen!”
Professional sports bettor Kevin Dolan remarked: “117-111 for Paro? That judge deserves to be ejected in a James Bond-style! Thankfully, it shouldn’t deter our 4% wager on Hitchens ML.”
Mark Ortega from Fox commented: “Nelson Vazquez scored #ParoHitchins 117-111 for Liam Paro. That scorecard is indefensible. Let’s not forget he scored Charlo-Castaño 1 as 117-111 for Charlo. He also gave Apochi-Glanton to Apochi. He shows too much bias towards A-sides. A suspension should be in order.”
Another fan shared: “Did someone really score that fight 117-111 for Paro!? That could be the worst scorecard in boxing history. Fire that guy immediately.”
The All Out Boxing account tweeted: “117-111 for Paro is an awful scorecard.”
Others on social media speculated if corruption was involved, with one user stating: “Nobody can be that incompetent at their job.”
Even Chris Mannix from Sports Illustrated opened the in-ring interview addressing the scorecard that favored Paro.
“A score of 117-111 against you is one of the most humiliating in modern boxing,” he stated.
When asked about his emotions following a wild celebration that saw the 27-year-old drop to his knees in amazement, Hitchens spoke of the relief he felt.
“Honestly, I was just praying they wouldn’t rob me,” Hitchins said.
“I’m just elated about becoming a world champion. I’m at a loss for words.”
Paro displayed humility in defeat, commending Hitchens as “a tremendous fighter”.
Paro stated he had “no excuses”, mentioning he had a solid training camp, but it didn’t translate to performance that night.
The Aussie expressed that he and his team would return “to the drawing board”, seeing it as “not a loss, but a lesson”, and concluded with, “I’ll be back.”
Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn noted that while he believed Paro had a solid beginning, the tide turned significantly in the fifth round and beyond.
“That’s how I perceived it — 8-4, 7-5 at best for Richardson,” Hearn remarked.
“I have no idea what Nelson Vazquez was thinking in his corner. But that’s just outrageous. The rightful winner was declared.”
What lies ahead for the new champion?
“I’m aiming for Teofimo (Lopez) in New York, Brooklyn, for unification,” Hitchins stated. “I believe that could become one of the biggest fights of 2025. A lucrative and significant bout.
“I should only be fighting the best in the ring.”
Lopez holds the WBO junior welterweight and Ring Magazine titles.
As for Paro, while he’s heading back to reassess, it will be intriguing to see if his much-anticipated all-Aussie showdown with George Kambosos Jr. remains on the horizon.
