It’s normal for fighters to take a look at their competition before they face them in the ring. It’s all about getting themselves familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of what their opponent brings to the table. Richardson Hitchins, nevertheless, does things a bit differently.
Gustavo Daniel Lemos is next up for the 26-year-old super lightweight. He brings his own undefeated record and apparently, considering the number of knockouts he registered, pernicious power.
If he wanted, Hitchins (17-0, 7 KOs) could pop in some of Lemos’ game tape, pull out his pen and paper, and begin taking notes. Hitchins, however, has better things to do. Although he’s never examined him closely, he isn’t worried about what Lemos has up his sleeves.
“I really haven’t watched too much of him,” admitted Hitchins to BoxingScene.com during a recent interview. “I don’t know that much of him but I just know he can’t f— with me.”
In roughly two months, Hitchins will find out if his decision to avoid studying Lemos will be sagacious. For whatever reason, the 27-year-old has been a bit on the inactive side. In total, he’s fought just once annually over the past two years but he did make the most of his meager schedule, scoring back-to-back knockouts over Lee Selby and Javier Jose Clavero.
In a day and age where fighters play around with their food, Lemos isn’t one of them. Oftentimes, when he hurts his man, the end arrives soon after. Hitchins isn’t known as a knockout puncher. He also isn’t the type to crush his opponents. Instead, he enjoys making them miss while simultaneously making them pay.
There’s a danger that comes with swapping fists with an opponent like Lemos. All in all, Hitchins wishes him well. He also hopes that his training camp goes picture-perfect. Come April 6th, he simply doesn’t want to hear any excuses.
“April 6th, I’m not coming to f— around.”