Richardson Hitchins always freely speaks his mind.

Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs) has labeled his last performance against Gustavo Lemos as “terrible” and “ass” after many believed he was fortunate to sneak away on the scorecards with a narrow points win.

Hitchins has also called IBF junior welterweight champion Liam Paro (25-0, 18 KOs), who he faces on December 7 as a mandatory challenger, a one-trick pony who’s not on his level, and that he was not impressed by the Australian’s career-best performance dethroning Subriel Matias in June.

“Paro beat the so-called boogeyman of the division, but I’m not Matías,” said Hitchins. “He’s never been in with a fighter like me before. I have the skills, the mindset, and the ability to take him apart and show why I’m at the top of the division. Whether it’s through boxing or fighting, I’ll find a way to win.

“This is my division. I am the man at 140, and once I get this belt, I’m bringing it back to New York. This is my chance to show everyone what I’ve been saying all along – I’m the best 140-pound fighter in the world. Hats off to Liam Paro for taking the fight, but he’s never faced anyone like me.”

Hitchins, a 27-year-old, seven-year pro from Brooklyn, scored his career-best win against Jose Zepeda in 2023.

Should Hitchins get past Paro, a who’s who of junior welterweights could be waiting to fight for his crown, including the likes of titleholders Teofimo Lopez Jr. (WBO), Alberto Puello (WBC) and Jose Valenzuela (WBA) as well as Devin Haney, Jack Catterall, Josh Taylor, Arnold Barboza, Isaac Cruz, and Rolando Romero, among others.

“I don’t take days off, I stay in shape year-round because this is my job,” said Hitchins. “The discipline I’ve learned from greats like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Gervonta Davis has helped me prepare for this moment. I feel like I’m in my physical prime, and I’ve made sure my mental game is just as strong.

“I wouldn’t consider this a shocking moment. Ever since I was a kid, I believed I was an upper-echelon fighter. This fight is the moment I’ve been working toward my entire life.”