Liam Paro respects Richardson Hitchins’ skills.

That doesn’t change the fact that Paro believes Gustavo Lemos should’ve received this title shot over Hitchins, who will oppose Paro on Saturday night in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Brooklyn’s Hitchins is the IBF’s No. 1 contender for Paro’s junior welterweight title, but the unbeaten Australian southpaw is convinced Argentina’s Lemos deserved credit for a victory over Hitchins on April 6 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs) beat Lemos by unanimous decision that night to maintain his spot atop the IBF’s 140-pound rankings. Paro is The Ring’s No. 3-rated junior welterweight, whereas Hitchins is listed No. 8 in those rankings.

Lemos (29-2, 19 KOs) was knocked out by undefeated lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs, 1 NC) in his following fight. Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) doesn’t think he ever should’ve been in a situation to have faced Davis.

“I honestly think [Hitchins] got gifted a decision,” Paro told The Ring. “So did 90 percent of the world. You know, it is what it is. They say you’re only as good as your last fight. And look, he’s gonna be better. I know he’s gonna be better. This is his shot. I remember how hungry I was when I got my title shot. But yeah, he was gifted that decision. In saying that, it’s a clean slate now. So, I said to him at the face-to-face, ‘No excuses. I want the best Hitchins.’ And yeah, let’s get it on.”

Judge Tim Cheatham (117-111) scored nine rounds for Hitchins over Lemos. Judges Max De Luca (115-113) and Steve Weisfeld (115-113) credited Hitchins for winning seven rounds apiece.

Paro considers the events of April 6 the equivalent of an off night for Hitchins, who represented Haiti at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“Look, you’ve gotta give credit where credit’s due,” Paro said. “He’s undefeated. He’s the number one contender for a reason, so look, he’s a good fighter. He’s a good boxer and that’s how he’s gonna want the fight to play out. He’s gonna want a boxing match. But yeah, I’m excited to get this show on the road December 7th, first defense of my title. My coach came up with a good game plan and now it’s just up to me to execute it.”

DAZN will stream Paro-Hitchins as the main event of a multi-bout offering from Roberto Clemente Coliseum (7 p.m. ET; 4 p.m. PT).