Richardson Hitchins

Richardson Hitchins
Personal information
NicknameAfrica[1]
Born (1997-09-26) September 26, 1997
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
WeightLight welterweight
Boxing career
Reach74 in (188 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights21
Wins21
Win by KO8
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Olympic Qualifying
Silver medal – second place2016 BakuLight welterweight
New York Golden Gloves
Gold medal – first place2016 BrooklynLight welterweight
Gold medal – first place2015 BrooklynLight welterweight

Richardson Hitchins (born September 26, 1997) is an American professional boxer, who previously held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light welterweight title from 2024 to 2026.

Early life

Hitchins was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.[2][3] Brought up by his mother, Jolia Jacques, he spent his summer days assisting her in selling water bottles at a park to help pay bills.[4] A fan of WWE, Hitchins first took an interest in boxing after watching Floyd Mayweather Jr. make an appearance for the wrestling promotion in 2008.[5] He began training at age 12 and credits his childhood gym, Atlas Cops & Kids, for keeping him away from the streets.[6]

Amateur career

As an amateur at the national level, Hitchins won back to back New York Golden Gloves.[7] At the international level, having failed to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team, he decided to represent his parents' country of Haiti instead.[8] Competing at the AIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan, he took home the silver medal to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he lost in the opening round to Gary Antuanne Russell.[9][10][11]

Professional career

Early career

Hitchins made his professional debut on March 4, 2017, defeating Mario Perez by TKO in the first round.[12] He compiled a record of 14–0 with six wins by way of knockout (KO), defeating former IBF super featherweight champion Argenis Mendez along the way.[13]

In his first pro fight after signing with Matchroom Boxing, Hitchins fought Yomar Álamo for the vacant IBF North American light welterweight title on November 12, 2022.[14] He won the bout after Álamo's corner decided to call an end to the contest at the conclusion of the eighth round.[15][16] On February 4, 2023, Hitchins fought John Bauza with the IBF North American and WBC USA light welterweight titles on the line.[17] Hitchins dominated the fight, knocking Bauza down in the first and fourth rounds en route to a unanimous decision victory, with all three judges scoring the fight 100–88.[18][19]

Looking to add the vacant WBC Silver and NABO light welterweight titles to his collection, Hitchins fought Jose Zepeda on September 23, 2023.[20][21] He controlled the bout from start to finish, winning by unanimous decision. The three judges scored the bout 120–108, 120–108, and 119–109, all in favor of Hitchins.[22][23]

On April 6, 2024 in Las Vegas, Hitchins was scheduled to fight Gustavo Daniel Lemos in the IBF super lightweight title eliminator.[24][25][26] Hitchins, in a very controversial outcome, defeated Lemos via unanimous decision.[27]

IBF Super Lightweight Champion

Hitchins vs. Paro

Hitchins challenged Liam Paro for his IBF super lightweight title on 7 December 2024 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, dethroning the champion by split decision with two ringside judges scoring the fight 116-112 in his favour while the third had it 117-111 for his opponent.[28][29][30]

Hitchins vs. Kambosos Jr.

Hitchins was scheduled to make the first defense of his IBF super lightweight title against George Kambosos Jr. on June 14, 2025, in New York.[31][32][33] Hitchins defeated Kambosos Jr. by eighth-round knockout to retain his title.[34]

Hitchins vs. Duarte

Hitchins was scheduled to make the second defense of his IBF super lightweight title against Oscar Duarte on February 21, 2026, in Las Vegas.[35][36] On February 25, it was announced that the IBF ordered Hitchins to make a defence of his IBF title against mandatory challenger Lindolfo Delgado (24-0, 16 KOs), who was promoted by Top Rank.[37]

Zuffa Boxing

On April 8, 2026, it was announced that Hitchins signed with Zuffa Boxing.[38][39] He later vacated his IBF title, and announced a move to welterweight ahead of his Zuffa debut. Hitchins' said he outgrew 140 pounds, a weight he had fought in since he was 16 years old.[40]

Hitchins vs Salas

On June 9, 2026, it was announced that Hitchins would fight Ricardo Salas in a 12-round welterweight co-feature bout at Zuffa Boxing 09 at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on July 26, 2026.[41][42][43] His manager Keith Connolly, clarified that Hitchins vacated his IBF junior-welterweight title because he had outgrown the division and not because of Zuffa’s stance on the sanctioning bodies. According to Connolly, Hitchins was still looking to pursue the IBF title at welterweight. On the Zuffa contract, he said, “We actually had in his contract that he could keep [his title] and defend it. So, yeah, he will be looking to win titles going forward.”[44] Hitchins dominated Salas over 10 rounds, winning every round on 3 judges scorecards. He used his jab consistently, accurate hooks, and controlled each round. He also landed straight right hands and left hooks consistently following the jab. Salas tried to apply pressure but was unable to find any clean opening due to Hitchins' effective use of shoulder-roll and footwork. Hitchins also clinched when Salas was able to get close. His team encouraged him to go for a knockout, but Hitchins remained disciplined due to a hand injury he picked up during training. The right hand bothered Hitchins from the sixth round.[45] After the fight, Hitchins called out some big names around his weight class such as Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, and Devin Haney. He said, “21-0, no draws, no stains. Come get it if you want it.”[46][47]

Personal life

Hitchins currently lives and trains in Brooklyn, New York.[48] He has been with longtime trainer Lenny Wilson since he was 15.[49][3] Hitchins is currently signed with Matchroom Boxing.[50] He was previously signed with Mayweather Promotions, founded by Floyd Mayweather Jr., immediately before turning pro.[51][52]

Hitchins is of Haitian descent.[8]

Professional boxing record

20 fights 20 wins 0 losses
By knockout 8 0
By decision 12 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
21 Win 21–0 Ricardo Salas UD 10 Jul 26, 2026 The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
20 Win 20–0 George Kambosos Jr TKO 8 (12), 2:33 Jun 14, 2025 The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York Retained IBF light welterweight title
19 Win 19–0 Liam Paro SD 12 Dec 7, 2024 Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico Won IBF light welterweight title
18 Win 18–0 Gustavo Daniel Lemos UD 12 Apr 6, 2024 Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Jose Zepeda UD 12 Sep 23, 2023 Caribe Royale Orlando, Orlando, Florida, U.S. Retained IBF North American light welterweight title;
Won vacant WBC Silver and NABO light welterweight titles
16 Win 16–0 John Bauza UD 10 Feb 4, 2023 MSG Theater, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained IBF North American light welterweight title;
Won vacant WBC USA light welterweight title
15 Win 15–0 Yomar Álamo RTD 8 (10), 3:00 Nov 12, 2022 Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. Won vacant IBF North American light welterweight title
14 Win 14–0 Angel Sarinana Rodriguez TKO 4 (10), 1:48 May 21, 2022 Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Malik Hawkins UD 10 Dec 18, 2021 Minneapolis Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Argenis Mendez SD 10 Dec 12, 2020 Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Nicholas DeLomba UD 10 Feb 28, 2020 Sam's Town Hotel, Sunrise Manor, Nevada, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Kevin Johnson UD 10 Nov 1, 2019 Sam's Town Hotel, Sunrise Manor, Nevada, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Alejandro Munera RTD 3 (8), 3:00 May 18, 2019 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 David Morales RTD 3 (6), 3:00 Mar 2, 2019 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Tre'Sean Wiggins UD 8 Jan 17, 2019 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Cesar Valenzuela UD 6 Sep 8, 2018 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Alexander Charneco KO 1 (6), 1:17 Apr 21, 2018 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Charles Stanford TKO 2 (6), 2:15 Mar 3, 2018 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Jordan Morales UD 4 Oct 14, 2017 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Alexander Picot UD 4 Apr 22, 2017 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Mario Alberto Perez Navarro TKO 1 (4), 1:33 Mar 4, 2017 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.

Titles in boxing

Major world titles

Silver world titles

Regional/International titles

  • IBF North American light welterweight champion (140 lbs)
  • WBC USA light welterweight champion (140 lbs)
  • NABO light welterweight champion (140 lbs)

Awards

Boxing Awards

  • BOXSPORT Knockout of the Week: June 2025[53]
  • Ranked #18 on ESPN's Boxing Top 25 Under 25: 2022[54]
  • BOXRAW Breakout Star of the Year Nominee: 2022[55]
  • BOXRAW Sleeper of the Week: December 2020[56]

Honors

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins – Tapology". Tapology. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  2. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins | Boxing News". boxingnewsonline.net. 2024-11-19. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  3. 1 2 "Richardson Hitchins: 'New York boxing is in good hands with me'". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  4. ↑ "How Cops & Kids Boxing Club helped Brooklyn's Richardson Hitchins avoid gang life and reach Olympic heights in ring". New York Daily News. 2016-08-06. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  5. ↑ Dawson, Alan. "The incredible journey of 23-year-old American boxer Richardson Hitchins, one of Floyd Mayweather's most-treasured students". Business Insider. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  6. ↑ "Mayweather signs 2016 Olympian Hitchins". ESPN.com. 2017-01-30. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  7. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Brooklyn boxer Richardson Hitchins, a Daily News Golden Gloves champ, inks deal with Floyd Mayweather". New York Daily News. 2017-02-01. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  8. 1 2 Iole, Kevin (August 9, 2016). "Unable to make U.S. team, Brooklyn boxer chases Olympic dream with Haiti". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Brooklyn boxer Richardson Hitchins headed to 2016 Olympics in Brazil, will represent Haiti". New York Daily News. 2016-06-30. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
  10. ↑ Christ, Scott (May 18, 2019). "Gary Antuanne Russell and Richardson Hitchins shine in Wilder-Breazeale prelim fights". www.badlefthook.com. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  11. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins Olympic Profile". Olympics.com. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  12. ↑ "First Look at Future Stars | Premier Boxing Champions". www.premierboxingchampions.com. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  13. ↑ September 2022, Anish Parekh on 30th (2022-09-30). "Richardson Hitchins challenges for first pro title against Yomar Alamo for the IBF North American Super-Lightweight belt". britishboxingnews.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-08-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ↑ "Hitchins vs. Alamo, Ford vs. Lukas Added To Love-Spark Card". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  15. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins Is The Wildcard At 140 - Boxing News 24". www.boxingnews24.com. 2023-02-15. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  16. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins vs. Yomar Alamo, Love vs. Spark | Boxing Bout". Tapology. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  17. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins vs. John Bauza, Serrano vs. Cruz | Boxing Bout". Tapology. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  18. ↑ "Photos: Richardson Hitchins Busts Up John Bauza in Dominant Decision Win". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  19. ↑ Iskenderov, Parviz (2025-06-08). "Full fight video highlights: Richardson Hitchins bests John Bauza at MSG in New York". FIGHTMAG. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  20. ↑ Mason, Paul (2023-09-21). "Richardson Hitchins vs Jose Zepeda - Big Fight Preview & Predictions". ProBoxing-Fans.com. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  21. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins vs. Jose Zepeda, Hitchins vs. Zepeda | Boxing Bout". Tapology. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  22. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins delivers boxing masterclass to thoroughly dominate Jose Zepeda". www.dazn.com. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  23. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins wins WBC Silver title - World Boxing Council". 2023-09-24. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  24. ↑ Iskenderov, Parviz (24 January 2024). "Richardson Hitchins faces Gustavo Daniel Lemos in April in Las Vegas". FIGHTMAG.
  25. ↑ "Smith-Zepeda, Ryan-Harper and Hitchins-Lemos highlight Matchroom's spring schedule". The Ring. 23 January 2024.
  26. ↑ Hits, Random (23 January 2024). "Richardson Hitchins vs. Gustavo Lemos on April 6, Jordan Gill vs. Zelfa Barrett on April 13". BoxingScene.com.
  27. ↑ Iskenderov, Parviz (7 April 2024). "Richardson Hitchins takes controversial decision against Gustavo Daniel Lemos". FIGHTMAG.
  28. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins edges Liam Paro for IBF title, sets sights on Teofimo Lopez". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  29. ↑ "Boxing Results: Richardson Hitchins Defeats Liam Paro". Boxing News 24. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  30. ↑ "Australian boxer Liam Paro succumbs to Richardson Hitchins in world title bout". Nine. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  31. ↑ Sportsdesk, B. V. M. (30 April 2025). "Richardson Hitchins vs George Kambosos Jr: Title Fight Showdown". BVM Sports.
  32. ↑ Rickson, Tim (30 April 2025). "Richardson Hitchins maiden IBF World Junior-Welterweight title defense announced | Sporting News". www.sportingnews.com.
  33. ↑ Iskenderov, Parviz (1 May 2025). "Richardson Hitchins faces George Kambosos Jr in mid-June in New York". FIGHTMAG.
  34. ↑ "Hitchins dominates, stops Kambosos to retain title". ESPN.com. 2025-06-15. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
  35. ↑ "Barrios vs Garcia undercard: Hitchins faces Duarte among confirmed bouts". FIGHTMAG. 28 January 2026.
  36. ↑ Hale, Andreas (2026-02-21). "Hitchins falls ill, has IBF title defense vs. Duarte called off". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2026-04-21.
  37. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins-Lindolfo Delgado IBF mandatory title fight ordered". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2026-04-21.
  38. ↑ "Edgar Berlanga, Richardson Hitchins sign with Zuffa Boxing". ESPN.com. 8 April 2026.
  39. ↑ "Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins sign multi-fight deals with Zuffa Boxing". Sky Sports. 8 April 2026.
  40. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins vacating title, heading to welterweight: report". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2026-04-21.
  41. ↑ "Berlanga vs Butler headlines Zuffa Boxing 9, Hitchins faces Salas in co-feature". FIGHTMAG. 9 June 2026.
  42. ↑ "Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins share top-billing on Zuffa Boxing's New York debut". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  43. ↑ "Edgar Berlanga, Richardson Hitchins have first Zuffa Boxing opponents". Bad Left Hook, Global Boxing News and Commentary. 9 June 2026.
  44. ↑ Ivers, Tom (June 25, 2026). "Richardson Hitchins targeting IBF title shot at 147 despite signing with Zuffa". Retrieved June 26, 2026.
  45. ↑ Doran, Niall (2026-07-27). "Richardson Hitchins Vs Ricardo Salas Full Fight Analysis". Retrieved 2026-08-10.
  46. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins Shuts Out Ricardo Salas In Welterweight Debut". Boxing News 24. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  47. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins dominates Ricardo Salas over 10 in Zuffa Boxing debut". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  48. ↑ "Hitchins Eyes Title Shot After Another Big Win". www.amny.com. 2025-06-09. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  49. ↑ "From jail to jubilation for Richardson Hitchins' trainer Lenny Wilson". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  50. ↑ "UNBEATEN 140-POUNDER RICHARDSON HITCHINS SIGNS MULTI-FIGHT DEAL WITH MATCHROOM". ringtv.com. September 28, 2022. Retrieved Nov 13, 2022.
  51. ↑ "Richardson Hitchins, Olympian, Inks With Mayweather Promotions". BoxingScene.com. January 30, 2017. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  52. ↑ "Mayweather signs 2016 Olympian Hitchins". ESPN.com. 2017-01-30. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  53. ↑ Redaktion (2025-06-17). "Knockout of the week: Richardson Hitchins". BOXSPORT. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  54. ↑ "Boxing's top 25 under 25: Who's No. 1?". ESPN.com. 2022-09-20. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  55. ↑ "The BOXRAW 2022 Boxing Awards". BOXRAW. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  56. ↑ "BOXRAW Sleeper of the Week: Richardson Hitchins". BOXRAW. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  57. ↑ FightHype.com (2025-03-01). Richardson Hitchins gets KEY TO THE CITY celebrating Black History Month. Retrieved 2025-08-12 – via YouTube.
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