Richardson Hitchins

Richardson Hitchins (born September 26, 1997) is an American professional boxer, who previously held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light welterweight title from 2024 to 2026.

Early life Hitchins was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. A fan of WWE, Hitchins first took an interest in boxing after watching Floyd Mayweather Jr. make an appearance for the wrestling promotion in 2008. He began training at age 12 and credits his childhood gym, Atlas Cops & Kids, for keeping him away from the streets.

Amateur career As an amateur at the national level, Hitchins won back to back New York Golden Gloves. At the international level, having failed to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team, he decided to represent his parents' country of Haiti instead. Competing at the AIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan, he took home the silver medal to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he lost in the opening round to Gary Antuanne Russell.

Professional career Early career Hitchins made his professional debut on March 4, 2017, defeating Mario Perez by TKO in the first round. He compiled a record of 14–0 with six wins by way of knockout (KO), defeating former IBF super featherweight champion Argenis Mendez along the way.

In his first pro fight after signing with Matchroom Boxing, Hitchins fought Yomar Álamo for the vacant IBF North American light welterweight title on November 12, 2022. He won the bout after Álamo's corner decided to call an end to the contest at the conclusion of the eighth round. On February 4, 2023, Hitchins fought John Bauza with the IBF North American and WBC USA light welterweight titles on the line. Hitchins dominated the fight, knocking Bauza down in the first and fourth rounds en route to a unanimous decision victory, with all three judges scoring the fight 100–88.

Looking to add the vacant WBC Silver and NABO light welterweight titles to his collection, Hitchins fought Jose Zepeda on September 23, 2023. He controlled the bout from start to finish, winning by unanimous decision. The three judges scored the bout 120–108, 120–108, and 119–109, all in favor of Hitchins.

On April 6, 2024 in Las Vegas, Hitchins was scheduled to fight Gustavo Daniel Lemos in the IBF super lightweight title eliminator. Hitchins, in a very controversial outcome, defeated Lemos via unanimous decision.

IBF Super Lightweight Champion Hitchins vs. Paro Hitchins challenged Liam Paro for his IBF super lightweight title on 7 December 2024 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, dethroning the champion by split decision with two ringside judges scoring the fight 116-112 in his favour while the third had it 117-111 for his opponent.

Hitchins vs. Kambosos Jr. Hitchins was scheduled to make the first defense of his IBF super lightweight title against George Kambosos Jr. on June 14, 2025, in New York. Hitchins defeated Kambosos Jr. by eighth-round knockout to retain his title.

Hitchins vs. Duarte Hitchins was scheduled to make the second defense of his IBF super lightweight title against Oscar Duarte on February 21, 2026, in Las Vegas. On February 25, it was announced that the IBF ordered Hitchins to make a defence of his IBF title against mandatory challenger Lindolfo Delgado (24-0, 16 KOs), who was promoted by Top Rank.

Zuffa Boxing On April 8, 2026, it was announced that Hitchins signed with Zuffa Boxing. He later vacated his IBF title, and announced a move to welterweight ahead of his Zuffa debut. Hitchins' said he outgrew 140 pounds, a weight he had fought in since he was 16 years old.

Hitchins vs Salas On June 9, 2026, it was announced that Hitchins would fight Ricardo Salas in a 12-round welterweight co-feature bout at Zuffa Boxing 09 at the Infosys Theate r at Madison Square Garden in New York on July 26, 2026. His manager Keith Connolly, clarified that Hitchins vacated his IBF junior-welterweight title because he had outgrown the division and not because of Zuffa’s stance on the sanctioning bodies. According to Connolly, Hitchins was still looking to pursue the IBF title at welterweight. On the Zuffa contract, he said, “We actually had in his contract that he could keep [his title] and defend it. So, yeah, he will be looking to win titles going forward.” Hitchins dominated Salas over 10 rounds, winning every round on 3 judges scorecards. He used his jab consistently, accurate hooks, and controlled each round. He also landed straight right hands and left hooks consistently following the jab. Salas tried to apply pressure but was unable to find any clean opening due to Hitchins' effective use of shoulder-roll and footwork. Hitchins also clinched when Salas was able to get close. His team encouraged him to go for a knockout, but Hitchins remained disciplined due to a hand injury he picked up during training. The right hand bothered Hitchins from the sixth round. After the fight, Hitchins called out some big names around his weight class such as Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, and Devin Haney. He said, “21-0, no draws, no stains. Come get it if you want it.”

Personal life Hitchins currently lives and trains in Brooklyn, New York. He has been with longtime trainer Lenny Wilson since he was 15. Hitchins is currently signed with Matchroom Boxing. He was previously signed with Mayweather Promotions, founded by Floyd Mayweather Jr., immediately before turning pro.

Hitchins is of Haitian descent. Ranked #18 on ESPN's Boxing Top 25 Under 25: 2022 BOXRAW Breakout Star of the Year Nominee: 2022 BOXRAW Sleeper of the Week: December 2020

Honors Key to Union City: 2025