RICHARDSON HITCHINS cemented his status as one of the best fighters in the super-lightweight division, dismantling George Kambosos Jr. in an eighth-round TKO to defend his IBF title last night at Madison Square Garden.
Overcoming tests against Gustavo Lemos and Liam Paro, Hitchins showcased a polished blend of speed, precision, and power in his first title defence. While critics may argue Kambosos, now 2-4 in his last six fights, is a shadow of the man who stunned Teofimo Lopez in 2021, the Australian’s resilience made Hitchins’ dominance all the more impressive.
Sceptics will point to the fact that Kambosos is not the tour de force who toppled Teofimo Lopez four years ago. But you could argue the Australian hasn’t been that man in all of his six fights since the greatest night of his career.
As Hitchins eyes unifications and Kambosos ponders his future, the undercard also delivered a future world champion in lightweight sensation Andy Cruz who scored an emphatic stoppage win. Boxing News breaks down what’s next for the three of them.
Richardson Hitchins 20-0 (8 KOs)
The New Yorker called out Devin Haney in his post-fight interview. Haney, the former undisputed lightweight champion and WBC super-lightweight titlist, has seen a shot at WBO 140lb champ Teofimo Lopez fall through. Hitchins vs. Haney makes a lot of sense if a deal can be reached, but Lopez was ringside last night at the Madison Square Garden Theatre keeping an eye on Hitchins. A unification between Hitchins and Lopez is a more attractive fight.
George Kambosos Jr 22-4 (10 KOs)
His heroics against Teofimo Lopez four years ago have never been repeated but Kambosos has made a lot of money in defeats to Haney, Vasyl Lomachenko and now Hitchins. His victories against Maxi Hughes and Jake Wyllie, meanwhile, were far from straightforward. The 32-year-old could now hang up the gloves but a farewell fight in Australia may also be a possibility. How about an all-Aussie clash featuring Kambosos against former champ Liam Paro for one last dance?
Andy Cruz 6-0 (3 KOs)
The Cuban looks like a world champion waiting to be crowned. His display against Hironori Mishiro in last night’s IBF lightweight eliminator was a five-round highlight reel. Raymond Muratalla is now the target but the champion may look for a less challenging title defence in the meantime. Cruz should be looking to get out again in the autumn but who against? It won’t be arch-rival Keyshawn Davis. Instead, Cruz will likely face someone to fill the gap while waiting for his shot. Zaur Abdullaev, Tevin Farmer, Edwin De Los Santos and Frank Martin could make the list of possible opponents.
