Candidly, things got a bit too easy for Richardson Hitchins. His opponents often talked a good game but once the bell rang, they found themselves swinging at air and leaving the ring with a face full of bruises.
Hitchins needed an opponent who could pull the most out of him, someone who could push him more than usual. Jose Zepeda seemed perfect. He was tough, had power in both hands and has a ridiculous amount of experience.
It was the type of step-up in competition that the 25-year-old needed. However, while on paper Zepeda seemed like a tough out, in reality, he was taken care of as easily as the rest.
Shakur Stevenson didn’t get a chance to attend in person but he flicked on his television set and watched every second of every round. Hitchins took care of business without breaking a sweat but at no point did he put his foot on the gas. Stevenson didn’t lambaste his good friend but he did offer him some constructive criticism.
“I thought he could’ve performed a little bit better but he performed good,” Stevenson told MillCity Boxing. “He dominated. At the end of the day, all that matters is the win.”
Hitchins (17-0, 7 KOs) is trying to make his mark at 140 pounds but he’s having a hard time getting his paws on one of the champions in the division. Regis Prograis holds the WBC title, Rolando Romero is in possession of the WBA version, the IBF is being held by Subriel Matias, and Teofimo Lopez just grabbed the WBO strap earlier this year.
All of those fighters bring a ton of skills and craft to the table. Nevertheless, from Stevenson’s point of view, Hitchins shouldn’t hold his breath when it comes to fighting any of those title holders, or even a highly-ranked contender.
“Honestly, I think a lot of people are going to stay away from him. Stylistically, he’ll give a lot of people fits.”