What Happened to Richardson Hitchins?
Richardson Hitchins is an undefeated American professional boxer who previously held the IBF Super Lightweight title. After successfully defending his title once, he vacated it in April 2026 to move up to the welterweight division and signed with Zuffa Boxing. He made a successful welterweight debut on July 26, 2026, defeating Ricardo Salas by unanimous decision.
Quick Answer
Richardson Hitchins is an undefeated professional boxer with a record of 21-0 (8 KOs) as of July 27, 2026. He recently made a successful move to the welterweight division, vacating his IBF Super Lightweight title in April 2026 due to outgrowing the weight class. Hitchins signed with Zuffa Boxing and debuted under their banner on July 26, 2026, securing a dominant unanimous decision victory over Ricardo Salas at Madison Square Garden.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Born in Brooklyn, New York
Richardson Hitchins was born in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and raised by his mother, Jolia Jacques.
Professional Boxing Debut
Hitchins made his professional debut, defeating Mario Perez by TKO in the first round.
Wins IBF North American Light Welterweight Title
Hitchins defeated Yomar Álamo to win the vacant IBF North American light welterweight title.
Captures WBC Silver and NABO Light Welterweight Titles
Hitchins dominated Jose Zepeda to win the vacant WBC Silver and NABO light welterweight titles by unanimous decision.
IBF Super Lightweight Title Eliminator
Hitchins fought Gustavo Daniel Lemos in an IBF super lightweight title eliminator, winning by unanimous decision.
Becomes IBF Super Lightweight World Champion
Richardson Hitchins defeated Liam Paro by split decision to win the IBF Super Lightweight world title.
Defends IBF Title Against George Kambosos Jr.
Hitchins successfully defended his IBF Super Lightweight title by stopping George Kambosos Jr. via technical knockout in the 8th round.
Pulls Out of Oscar Duarte Fight Due to Illness
Hitchins was scheduled to defend his IBF title against Oscar Duarte but withdrew due to illness, with concerns about the weight cut playing a role.
Signs with Zuffa Boxing and Vacates IBF Title
Hitchins signed with Zuffa Boxing and subsequently vacated his IBF Super Lightweight title, announcing his move to the welterweight division due to outgrowing 140 pounds.
Announces Welterweight Debut Opponent
Hitchins confirmed via social media that he would face Ricardo Salas in his Zuffa Boxing and welterweight debut on July 26, 2026.
Successful Welterweight Debut Against Ricardo Salas
In his first fight as a welterweight and under the Zuffa Boxing banner, Hitchins defeated Ricardo Salas by unanimous decision (100-90 on all cards) at Madison Square Garden.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Richardson Hitchins, born on September 26, 1997, in Brooklyn, New York, began his professional boxing career in March 2017, quickly establishing himself as a formidable talent. He built an impressive undefeated record, showcasing a slick, defensive style complemented by a sharp jab. His early career saw him capture regional titles, including the IBF North American and vacant WBC Silver and NABO Light Welterweight titles, defeating opponents like Yomar Álamo and Jose Zepeda.
Hitchins' ascent culminated in December 2024 when he claimed the IBF Super Lightweight title by defeating Liam Paro via split decision. He successfully defended this world title once, stopping former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. in the eighth round of a highly anticipated grudge match on June 14, 2025. This victory solidified his standing as a top contender in the super lightweight division.
However, Hitchins faced challenges with the 140-pound weight limit, citing a difficult weight cut and the IBF's rehydration clause as taxing on his body. After being scheduled to defend his title against Oscar Duarte in February 2026 but pulling out due to illness, he made the strategic decision to move up to the welterweight division. In April 2026, Hitchins vacated his IBF Super Lightweight title and announced his signing with Zuffa Boxing, a significant move that marked a new chapter in his career.
His welterweight debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner was set for July 26, 2026, against Ricardo Salas at Madison Square Garden. Hitchins expressed feeling 'rejuvenated' by the move to 147 pounds, believing it allowed him to perform at his optimal strength and conditioning. On the night of July 26, 2026, Hitchins delivered a dominant performance, outclassing Salas over ten rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring the bout 100-90. This win extended his undefeated record to 21-0 and marked a successful transition to the welterweight division, where he aims to pursue further world titles.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Richardson Hitchins made different choices?