Richardson Hitchins left little question tonight in a profitable protection of his IBF tremendous light-weight title, stopping a really sport George Kambosos Jr within the eighth spherical to retain his title.
Hitchins (20-0, 8 KO) was extra aggressive than we’ve seen prior to now, however labored economically and well, too, maintaining the battle at a tempo he needed behind his terrific jab, but in addition wading inside a bit extra, and avoiding sluggish begins we’ve seen from him in prior bouts.
Kambosos (22-4, 10 KO) gave this an sincere, robust effort, however the class distinction was clear from the primary spherical. Hitchins additionally employed some robust physique work, which in the end paid off with the knockdown that ended the battle.
“I’ve been telling the boxing world I’m the reality. Should you don’t know, now you recognize. They need to have listened, now I’m right here,” Hitchins stated. “I smelled blood (on the physique pictures), and I needed to maintain punishing him. I informed his dad, ‘Should you love your son, you’ll cease the battle.’ He was robust, he was a real competitor, however I used to be simply the higher man tonight.”
Hitchins stated he was undoubtedly attempting to make an announcement tonight, and believes he can curb the notion that he’s a “boring” or cautious fighter.
“I knew I needed to go to some unsafe locations to get some good pictures off, I put myself in hurt’s approach,” he stated. “However I had good protection and knew I may take a punch. He caught me with a pair good pictures however it didn’t actually harm me, so I simply went for the kill. I all the time knew I had it in me, however the fights are really easy on the skin, the place I don’t should take an opportunity, however now I’m getting extra comfy as knowledgeable.”
Put up-fight, Teofimo Lopez, who holds the WBO title, made his approach into the ring as Hitchins talked about going into free company for the time being and on the lookout for massive fights. Hitchins then explicitly referred to as out Devin Haney and his father Invoice, together with his insults towards them drawing approval from the New York crowd.
“He’s a hell of a fighter,” Kambosos stated. “I chase greatness, man. I actually believed in myself however I simply didn’t have it, he was too good for me tonight. He hit me with a phenomenal physique shot. I nonetheless bought up, however the ref has to do his job. The boxing world goes to speak a bit however now, however I hope you guys respect the warrior that I’m and I fought the very best. It’s what it’s.”
Kambosos took nothing away from Hitchins in any respect, and added, “If all of the boys battle one another, you’re gonna get wins, losses, attracts, who offers a fuck, man? That is boxing. Struggle the very best, fuck the cherries.”
