RICHARDSON HITCHINS aims to break Australian hearts once again on Saturday night when he defends his IBF super-lightweight title against George Kambosos Jr.
Six months ago the New Yorker travelled to Puerto Rico and beat Queensland’s Liam Paro to take the belt back home to the Big Apple. Hitchins now gets the chance to perform in front of his own fans at the Madison Square Garden Theatre with Sydney’s Kambosos in the away corner.
Beating Paro helped banish the memories of Hitchins’ fortunate win against Gustavo Lemos in April 2024. And with plans to unify the division the 27-year-old will need to catch the eye against Kambosos who returns to a venue which gave him his greatest night in November 2021 when he humbled Teofimo Lopez to win three lightweight world titles.
Five fights on from that shock upset Kambosos has never recaptured the same electric form but made plenty of money in the process against the likes of Devin Haney and Vasyl Lomachenko. His title shot against Hitchins could be his last opportunity on the big stage so how can he cause another upset? And what should Hitchins do to prove he’s a level above his challenger? Boxing News looks at the Keys to Victory.
Richardson Hitchins – Keys to Victory
Use his reach
Of the four current world champions at 140lbs Richardson Hitchins has the longest reach at 74ins. The American can use this as a foundation to build some early success by keeping the Aussie at bay using his sizeable wingspan. Hitchins will cause Kambosos problems if he leads off from distance with the jab and a right hand behind it. There is no need for the champion to get up close until later in the fight when he can put his foot down and push Kambosos back.
Avoid a scrap
Kambosos will love nothing more than to draw Hitchins into a wild brawl. If the champion is looking to prove himself as one of the best in the division, then he can do this by outclassing Kambosos. However, that tactic begins by frustrating his opponent rather than giving him what he wants all for extra machismo points. Devin Haney provided the blueprint in how to handle Kambosos.
More than a right hand
Hitchins can establish greater authority during the fight by ensuring he throws combinations. The long right hand is a solid weapon but following it up with the left hook and a third shot to the body could make Kambosos think twice about marauding forward. Chipping away early can lead to rewards later in the fight.
George Kambosos Jr. – Keys to Victory
Rough him up
Kambosos can’t afford to let Hitchins build up a lead. Early on he has to lay a marker, do something to show Hitchins this is going to be a long night. Hitchins is the better boxer but Kambosos can be the more aggressive by tying the champion up, forcing him on to the ropes and letting fists fly.
Psychological warfare
Kambosos loves his mind games and trash talk and Hitchins has been happy to oblige in any verbal jousts during the build-up. But what about in the ring? Obviously, Kambosos will look foolish talking the talk if he’s getting pinged but the former world champion should give it both barrels during his own successful attacks or when Hitchins falls short. Becoming demoralised in the ring is the stuff of nightmares and Kambosos isn’t someone you want in your ear during a crisis.
Movement
Kambosos faced one of the best movers of the modern era in Lomachenko. But Kambosos showed against Teofimo Lopez how to keep a man guessing and catching him off guard. Many rounds and miles have been added since then but Kambosos has to do everything he can to unsettle Hitchins. Draw him in, make him miss and get the counter punches off followed by rapid combinations. He needs to take advantage of any opportunity he gets.
