Richardson Hitchins Vacates IBF Super Lightweight Title
Richardson Hitchins has decided to step away from the IBF super lightweight title just after one successful defense. The boxer announced on Monday his intentions to vacate the championship and transition up to the welterweight category. Hitchins expressed his excitement, stating:
“I’ve outgrown 140 and my days at the weight are done. It’s time to become a two-division world champion real soon! Let’s go!!!”
This move comes after Hitchins’ manager, Keith Connolly, discussed the challenges faced in making such a decision. Connolly emphasized that Hitchins, who has been competing at 140 pounds since he was a teenager, is now poised for success in the new weight class.
Career Highlights and Recent Developments
Hitchins, who hails from Brooklyn, captured the IBF super lightweight title in December 2024 by beating Liam Paro via unanimous decision in Puerto Rico. He successfully defended his title once, defeating George Kambosos with a body shot in the eighth round this past June. However, the matchup with Kambosos also marked Hitchins’ last fight under his current promoter, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
Though Hitchins was set to fight Oscar Duarte in February on the undercard of the Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios event, he had to withdraw due to illness on the day of the fight. Following his withdrawal, the IBF mandated that he must face Lindolfo Delgado as his next challenger. Unfortunately, the scheduled purse bids for their fight were set to occur on Tuesday, but now that has been rendered moot with Hitchins relinquishing his title.
Future Implications
Interestingly, Hitchins’ decision opens the door for Duarte and Delgado to contend for the vacated IBF strap, although complications arise due to Robert Garcia’s dual role as trainer for both fighters. Furthermore, in a significant career shift, Hitchins recently joined Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, making him the second boxing champion to sign with the promotion, following Jai Opetaia. This transition is noteworthy, especially considering that both fighters have lost their champion status, even as Zuffa has re-evaluated its stance on sanctioning bodies in boxing.
