Richardson Hitchins has a reputation. It isn’t a bad thing, but it’s something he struggles to shake off.
For most, if not all, of his career, he’s been viewed as a pure boxer. But there's a reason for that.
He simply is.
Boxing and moving has done wonders for him. He hasn’t come close to losing a fight and recently took home his first world title. His formula may not be a fan-pleasing one, but it works.
Success aside, Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) might be looking to switch up things.
On June 14, in New York’s Madison Square Garden, the slick-hitting current IBF champ
will attempt to defend his crown against the trash-talking George Kambosos Jr.
Hitchins’ pathway to victory is simple and one that he’s familiar with: box and move. But
Kambosos has truly gotten under his skin, to the point where Hitchins sounds as if he's willing to throw his technical advantages out the window.
“You can’t outfight me,” said Hitchins while face-to-face with Kambosos during a recent Matchroom Boxing interview. “If me and you stand in the middle of the ring and bang, you’re not out fighting me.”
If Hitchins truly is willing to do that, Kambosos will be pleased.
Although he’s more than capable of boxing his way to a decision, the former unified champion has found much more success by dragging his opponents into a dogfight. In addition to that, Kambosos feels much bigger and stronger at 140 pounds.
If you need proof, look no further than
his recent win over Jake Wyllie. It was the first time in nearly five years that Kambosos picked up a clear win without any controversy attached to it. Still, his momentum, while hot, isn’t quite the same as Hitchins’. The Olympian-turned-world champion is coming off a
career-best performance against Liam Paro at the tail end of 2024.In that matchup, Hitchins refused to be stationary and fought only when necessary. However, things are different now. It could be the power he’s been working on or because Kambosos is smaller. Whatever the case, Hitchins strongly believes that when he lands, the Australian will get hurt.
“When I hit you, you gonna feel it.”