Undefeated super-lightweight contender Richardson Hitchins scored what some fight fans viewed as a controversial unanimous decision victory over Gustavo Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs) on Saturday night, April 6th, at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Prior to the bout, the 8 to 1 betting favorite Richardson Hitchins stated Gustavo Lemos wasn’t on his level, the fight would be a massacre, and it wouldn’t go the distance. Hitchins planned on using this match to make a statement, but instead of making a statement, Hitchins probably generated more questions.
In the first round of the IBF super-lightweight world title eliminator bout, Hitchins was able to control the first half of the opening round by utilizing his jab, but in the second half of the round, Lemos was able to press forward and land a big overhand right.
Lemos was on the front foot in the second round as he forced Hitchins into a corner and proceeded to land multiple shots to the body. In the closing minute of round 2, Lemos was able to connect with another big overhand right.
Richardson Hitchins spent the majority of the third round fighting off his back foot, but he was able to set his feet and connect with a solid left hand shot. As Lemos showed signs of slowing down, Hitchins proceeded to pick up his offensive pace as he landed clean shots throughout the fourth round.
Hitchins was precise with the jab in the fifth as he utilized his signature weapon to control the action. Lemos was back to pressing forward in the sixth, but Hitchins was able to fend him off with accurate punches.
Gustavo Lemos started the eighth round by landing a combination to the body of Hitchins. Lemos stayed in attack mode as he landed a three-two combination that appeared to hurt Hitchins.
While Lemos was charging forward and landing hard power shots, Hitchins was holding on, trying to survive the attack. Later in the same round, Hitchins was able to connect with a solid right hand.
The action packed 8th round concluded with both boxers trading shots.
Hitchins regained control as he dictated the action in the 10th round, but Lemos looked rejuvenated in the 11th as he landed the left hook and solid shots to the body. In the 12th and final round, Lemos pressed forward, trying to land shots, while Hitchins seemed content with dancing around.
At the conclusion of the bout, it was a matter of the judges appreciating the clean punches landed by Hitchins or the consistent aggression from Lemos. With the scores of 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113, all three judges scored the contest in favor of Richardson Hitchins.
After surviving a difficult matchup, Richardson Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs) is ready to continue his boxing journey. Coming into the bout with Lemos, Hitchins planned to dominate and show the world that he should be categorized as elite.
Unfortunately things didn’t go according to plan as Hitchins got the victory, but his performance has opened the door for public criticism. Like it or don’t like it, Hitchins won the match, and he’s set to receive a shot at the IBF world title, but the question is; is Richardson Hitchins ready to face Subriel Matias?
The IBF super-lightweight world champion Subriel Matias (20-1, 20 KOs) has some business to take care of as he is set to defend his title on June 15th against the undefeated Liam Paro.
Hypothetically speaking, if Matias defeats Paro, will Hitchins be ready to claim his shot at the title?
On Saturday night, Richardson Hitchins was able to get a small taste of what it would be like to face Subriel Matias. Gustavo Lemos is not Matias, but his style is similar as he also utilizes the high guard while constantly pressing forward and throwing heavy shots.
If Matias wins on June 15th, Hitchins will be next in line, but Hitchins may pass on the opportunity. During his post-fight interview, Hitchins admitted he would go back to the drawing board and possibly squeeze in another fight before challenging for a world title.
Whenever he feels ready to challenge for a world title, it seems like Hitchins will pass on cashing in his chance at the IBF and proceed to target WBC champion Devin Haney or the WBO champ Teofimo Lopez.
Styles make fights, and as of now, there’s a good chance that Richardson Hitchins isn’t ready for Subriel Matias’s intense aggression. Hitchins is a boxer who is worthy of fighting for a world title, but the way things stand at the moment, it appears Hitchins is more anxious to challenge for the 140-pound WBO or the WBC belt.
