By Vince D’Writer: The 140-pound division is a very talented weight class, and on the undercard of DAZN’s Amanda Serrano vs Erika Cruz event, undefeated super lightweight contender Richardson Hitchins will face John Bauza (17-0, 7 KOs) on February 4th at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden.
A product of Brooklyn, New York, Richardson Hitchins signed with Mayweather Promotions back in 2017, but after a five year stint, Hitchins felt a change was needed. The 25-year-old wanted to be more active, and in September 2022, Hitchins made a business decision when he decided to leave Mayweather Promotions, and sign a multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing.
Eddie Hearn and Matchroom put Hitchins to work two months after signing on, as Hitchins was scheduled to be the co-feature on the Montana Love vs Steve Spark card. The event had a tournament type of feel because it seemed like Richardson Hitchins and Montana Love were on a collision course.
Hitchins did his part by collecting an 8th round TKO victory over Yomar Alamo, and during his post-fight interview, he called out the main event participant. The stage was set for a future fight between Hitchins and Love, but unfortunately Love didn’t hold up his end of the bargain, as he suffered a 6th round loss by way of disqualification.
For now a clash with Montana Love has been placed on the back burner, but the show must go on, because Richardson Hitchins is adamant about staying active, and proving he’s one of the best 140-pound boxers in the world. On February 4th Hitchins will receive the opportunity to showcase his skills, and hopefully pick up a quality win over a solid prospect.
The last time John Bauza fought an undefeated opponent was in December 2021, when he stepped inside the ring to face the up-and-coming prospect, Michael Williams Jr. The bout was a complete mismatch as Bauza got a 4th round stoppage after dropping Williams a total of five times.
Bauza’s most recent appearance inside the squared circle occurred in March 2022 when he scored a unanimous decision victory over Tony Luis. Now the undefeated Puerto Rican prospect who goes by the nickname “El Terrible” is on the verge of facing his toughest opponent to date.
Richardson Hitchins (15-0, 7 KOs) is currently ranked 13th by the IBF, and he plans on collecting a victory on February 4th in order to improve his position. Hitchins is a fighter who has speed, he has a nice jab, good punch placement, displays ring generalship, and a high boxing IQ.
Hitchins is making the transition from prospect to contender, and next he plans on working his way into world title contention. He is very aware of the fact that Bauza is a dangerous opponent, but Hitchins believes he will be victorious on February 4th because his skill set is on a different level.
“Bauza is no joke. We know each other, but these are the type of fights I want. I’m fighting a young, hungry, undefeated prospect like myself, but I truly believe I’m the best 140 pounder in the world, and come fight night I’m going to show him I am on a whole other level. February 4th is going to be a special night for me, and I just can’t wait to be back in front of my hometown fans and show the world that I am a problem at 140.”