Hitchins Targets Kambosos In New York Showdown: IBF Champ Eyes Former Lightweight King

Promoter Eddie Hearn and IBF light welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins are targeting George Kambosos Jr. for a fight in New York if he comes through his next fight.

(Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom Boxing)

Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) feels that a win over the former unified lightweight champion Kambosos will increase his popularity in the boxing world.  George (21-1, 13 KOs) is headlining against Daud Yordan on March 22nd in Sydney, Australia.

Richardson is coming off a 12-round split decision win over IBF light welterweight champion Liam Paro last December. That impressive performance may have scared away the top 140-pounders, but not Kambosos. He’s fearless and wants the opportunity to fight Hitchins for his IBF belt because he feels he can win.

Ready for Smoke

“This is the King of the 140-lb division right now. No one wants to mention the name of Richardson Hitchins. You saw Teofimo Lopez and Barboza. We were ready to fight Teofimo, but there’s a big show next week in Sydney. He’s got his eyes peeled. Kambosos, we think that’s the fight in New York, but this man is ready for all the smoke,” said Eddie Hearn to DAZN Boxing about Richardson Hitchins being the #1 guy at light welterweight.

Remember the name. You know the name, but remember the name. This is the future right here.”

Hitchins had hoped to face WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez in a unification fight, but instead chose to defend against his mandatory Arnold Barboza Jr. on the May 2nd card on Times Square in New York City.

Richardson still wants to face Teo once his schedule is open. He signed a contract with Turki Alalshikh that will keep him busy until next year. Hitchins will probably have to wait until then to have a shot at facing him.

Targeting Kambosos

“I think Kambosos is perfect. He’s got the accolades, the name and he represents Australia great as a fighter,” said Hitchins about former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. “I think for my legacy, that adds a lot just to show that I belong with the Haneys, the Lomachenkos, and the bigger names in boxing.

“I feel like I’m a little behind, but getting a win over George Kambosos would be special to add my name to the sport of boxing. I feel like me and Teofimo is the best fight in the 140-lb division. I wanted the fight next, but we couldn’t make it happen. I’m going to do what I got to do in my next fight, and he hopefully is going to do what he has to do and we can come together to make the biggest fight at 140 happen,” said Hitchins.