Liam Paro is looking to prove that his leading candidate for upset of the year against Subriel Matias was no fluke when he defends his IBF junior welterweight title against mandatory challenger Richardson Hitchins on December 7 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Paro (25-0, 18 KOs), a 28-year-old from Australia, parlayed the mounting momentum he had built with wins against Brock Jarvis and Montana Love in recent years for his breakthrough performance against Matias, outboxing the Puerto Rican in his hometown for a convincing unanimous decision win.

“Taking out the so-called boogeyman in his backyard made it extra special,” said Paro. “It wasn’t just about winning. It was about showing the world what we already knew. I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, the same way I did against the most avoided guy in the division.

“I’ve always said I wanted the target on my back. Knowing that someone wants to take what I’ve worked my entire life for is even more motivating. I’ve stayed disciplined and focused, and my mindset remains the same. I’m always a contender. I know how hard this fight will be, but I’m ready to show the world what we already know. I’m one of the top guys in my division.”

The upstart Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs), meanwhile, is looking to prove his pedigree and that he’s deserving of the title shot, especially after a shaky performance and decision win against Gustavo Lemos in April.

Paro said he’s prepared for the best version of Hitchins, despite the brash Brooklyn native calling him a “one-trick pony.”

“I don’t look past anyone,” said Paro. “I’m focused on getting the win and moving forward as champion. My goal is clear – to retain my title and prove why I’m the best in the division.

“We know the task ahead of us is not going to be easy, and we have the perfect gameplan. I’ve said for a long time that I have the best team in the world, and we’ve continued to show that in every fight. This one will be no different.

“God willing, December 7 will be another defining night in my career. I’m ready to put on a dominating performance and show again why I’m the top guy at 140.”