By Vince D’Writer: Undefeated super-lightweight contender Richardson Hitchins had a flawless performance as he earned a unanimous decision victory over former three-time world title challenger Jose Zepeda (37-4, 28 KOs) on Saturday night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.
During the course of 12-rounds, Hitchins fought a technical and defensively responsible style of fight. Zepeda tried a variety of tactics as he attempted to get his offense going, but Hitchins was a puzzle that Zepeda couldn’t solve.
Back in 2017, the highly touted amateur boxer Richardson Hitchins turned pro and signed with Mayweather Promotions. After five years and fourteen bouts under Mayweather Promotions, Hitchins was seeking an opportunity to accelerate the pace of his career progress.
Once his contract expired, Hitchins made a major career move in September 2022 when he signed with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. His new promotional company immediately put him to work in November 2022 as he outclassed Yomar Alamo.
Three months later, Hitchins was back in action against a man who was supposed to give him a tough test. The previously unbeaten John Bauza was no match for Hitchins as the 25-year-old posted an impressive unanimous decision victory.
In his third bout under the Matchroom umbrella, Richardson Hitchins was headlining his first show against the 12 year veteran Jose Zepeda. This was the match that would reveal if Hitchins is just a good boxer or a championship-level contender.
In the opening round of the fight, Hitchins was focused on establishing his jab. Throughout the first half of the bout, Hitchins controlled the range and distance of the fight by throwing the jab, utilizing smooth lateral movement, and landing sharp counter shots.
In the second half of the bout, it was obvious to see that Zepeda was getting frustrated, and his will to fight was diminishing because he was unable to get inside to unleash his offense. Richardson Hitchins used foot feints, the jab, and the right hand as he put together a 12-round performance that should be categorized as a boxing masterclass.
Hitchins was efficient on offense and very sharp on defense, as he was a perfect illustration of the old adage of “hit but don’t get hit.” At the end of 12-rounds he earned a unanimous decision victory by the scores of 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109.
On the night of September 23rd, the Brooklyn native Richardson Hitchins showed the world that he’s ready to be a world title contender in the 140-pound division. Currently, Regis Prograis (WBC), Subriel Matias (IBF), Rolando “Rolly” Romero (WBA), and Teofimo Lopez (WBO ) are the champions in the super-lightweight division.
The 5 foot 10 inch Richardson Hitchins (17-0, 7 KOs) is a ring technician who would present a matchup problem for any of the champions at 140. With Hitchins posting two dominant back-to-back performances, the question is, will he receive a title shot in the near future, or will the champions in the division avoid him?
