Undefeated super-lightweight contender Richardson Hitchins scored what some combat followers seen as a controversial unanimous choice victory over Gustavo Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs) on Saturday night time, April sixth, on the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Previous to the bout, the 8 to 1 betting favourite Richardson Hitchins said Gustavo Lemos wasn’t on his degree, the combat could be a bloodbath, and it wouldn’t go the gap. Hitchins deliberate on utilizing this match to make a press release, however as an alternative of constructing a press release, Hitchins in all probability generated extra questions.
Within the first spherical of the IBF super-lightweight world title eliminator bout, Hitchins was capable of management the primary half of the opening spherical by using his jab, however within the second half of the spherical, Lemos was capable of press ahead and land a giant overhand proper.
Lemos was on the entrance foot within the second spherical as he compelled Hitchins right into a nook and proceeded to land a number of photographs to the physique. Within the closing minute of spherical 2, Lemos was capable of join with one other large overhand proper.
Richardson Hitchins spent nearly all of the third spherical preventing off his again foot, however he was capable of set his toes and join with a strong left hand shot. As Lemos confirmed indicators of slowing down, Hitchins proceeded to select up his offensive tempo as he landed clear photographs all through the fourth spherical.
Hitchins was exact with the jab within the fifth as he utilized his signature weapon to regulate the motion. Lemos was again to urgent ahead within the sixth, however Hitchins was capable of fend him off with correct punches.
Gustavo Lemos began the eighth spherical by touchdown a mix to the physique of Hitchins. Lemos stayed in assault mode as he landed a three-two mixture that appeared to harm Hitchins.
Whereas Lemos was charging ahead and touchdown arduous energy photographs, Hitchins was holding on, making an attempt to outlive the assault. Later in the identical spherical, Hitchins was capable of join with a strong proper hand.
The motion packed eighth spherical concluded with each boxers buying and selling photographs.
Hitchins regained management as he dictated the motion within the tenth spherical, however Lemos appeared rejuvenated within the eleventh as he landed the left hook and strong photographs to the physique. Within the twelfth and closing spherical, Lemos pressed ahead, making an attempt to land photographs, whereas Hitchins appeared content material with dancing round.
On the conclusion of the bout, it was a matter of the judges appreciating the clear punches landed by Hitchins or the constant aggression from Lemos. With the scores of 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113, all three judges scored the competition in favor of Richardson Hitchins.
After surviving a tough matchup, Richardson Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs) is able to proceed his boxing journey. Coming into the bout with Lemos, Hitchins deliberate to dominate and present the world that he must be categorized as elite.
Sadly issues didn’t go in line with plan as Hitchins received the victory, however his efficiency has opened the door for public criticism. Prefer it or don’t prefer it, Hitchins received the match, and he’s set to obtain a shot on the IBF world title, however the query is; is Richardson Hitchins able to face Subriel Matias?
The IBF super-lightweight world champion Subriel Matias (20-1, 20 KOs) has some enterprise to deal with as he’s set to defend his title on June fifteenth in opposition to the undefeated Liam Paro.
Hypothetically talking, if Matias defeats Paro, will Hitchins be prepared to say his shot on the title?
On Saturday night time, Richardson Hitchins was capable of get a small style of what it could be wish to face Subriel Matias. Gustavo Lemos is just not Matias, however his model is comparable as he additionally makes use of the excessive guard whereas continually urgent ahead and throwing heavy photographs.
If Matias wins on June fifteenth, Hitchins can be subsequent in line, however Hitchins might go on the chance. Throughout his post-fight interview, Hitchins admitted he would return to the drafting board and probably squeeze in one other combat earlier than difficult for a world title.
At any time when he feels able to problem for a world title, it looks like Hitchins will go on cashing in his probability on the IBF and proceed to focus on WBC champion Devin Haney or the WBO champ Teofimo Lopez.
Types make fights, and as of now, there’s a superb probability that Richardson Hitchins isn’t prepared for Subriel Matias’s intense aggression. Hitchins is a boxer who’s worthy of preventing for a world title, however the best way issues stand in the meanwhile, it seems Hitchins is extra anxious to problem for the 140-pound WBO or the WBC belt.
