Richardson Hitchins isn’t the jealous type but he does believe he’s been a bit overlooked.
For the most part, Hitchins (16-0, 7 KOs) has sat back and watched as Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, and a long list of others, all of whom are around his age, grabbed most of the attention. Pound-for-pound rankings, world titles, trucks full of cash, and tons of television time. Hitchins, on the other hand, hasn’t received any of it.
He didn’t say much of anything. Hitchins simply placed his head down, re-entered the boxing gym, and continued to put in the work. His preparation may have flown under the radar but in a few short weeks, more eyes than usual will be fixated on him.
On September 23rd, at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, Hitchins will have his first main event when he takes on Jose Zepeda.
For as long as Hitchins can remember, Zepeda (37-3, 28 KOs) has been near the top of the lightweight mountain. With that said, the 25-year-old isn’t sweating Zepeda’s aura. A few things are riding on Hitchins side. Maybe not experience but age? Skills? Hitchins is convinced that he has it all. Oh, one last thing, as Zepeda inches closer to the finish line, Hitchins believes that he’s rounding into form. Now, with everything clicking, superstardom is within reach.
“I think it’s gonna be a great fight,” said Hitchins to YSM Sports Media. “You got a guy that probably got about maybe four or five more years left in the sport and you got a young, fresh, hungry kid like me ready to take over the sport and become one of the faces of the sport.”
It’s put up or shut up time for Hitchins. Since popping up on the scene, he’s screamed and shouted to all who would listen that he’s boxing’s next big thing. Some flat-out believe him. Others need to see more.
Bloviating isn’t something that Hitchins is a fan of. Punching people in the face while smoothly getting out of the way of any oncoming attacks is. When the lights were dim, Hitchins pounded away at the heavy bag, sparred countless hours, and mastered the speed bag. No one, however, was privy to those private gym sessions. So, in just a few short weeks, Hitchins is anxious to show the rest of the world what he already knows.
“I’m trying to show everybody what I got. It’s gonna be a great fight.”