The Brooklyn native claims he’ll meet that aggression head on and provides Duarte the warfare he’s in search of. Saying that’s the simple half. Doing it’s the place issues get troublesome.
Duarte is a distinct animal than George Kambosos Jr., who Hitchins beat final yr. He’s stronger, carries extra energy, and is prepared to take two pictures simply to land one massive hook. It’s a method Hitchins is aware of properly. Gustavo Lemos introduced that very same warmth in 2024 and pushed Hitchins to absolutely the restrict in a break up choice that followers nonetheless argue about in the present day.
“Osar Duarte goes to return powerful. He’s a loopy man. So, he’s going to return to combat. So, I’m going to present him what he’s in search of. It’s going to be a enjoyable night time off boxing,” Hitchins advised Fighthype when discussing the protection.
Hitchins Should Again Up The Speak In opposition to Oscar Duarte
No one ever questions Hitchins’ ability. The true query is what occurs when that ability can’t create sufficient distance. In opposition to Lemos, he may by no means fairly escape the strain, and the combat stayed uncomfortably shut till the ultimate bell.
We noticed that very same story play out in December 2024. Hitchins beat Liam Paro by break up choice to seize the IBF belt, however it was one other night time the place he couldn’t fairly separate himself from the pack.
Duarte is sitting proper on the prime of the IBF rankings, and he doesn’t get discouraged by a stiff jab. For a champion who already offers with loads of critics, one other slim win received’t silence anybody.
Hitchins is looking this combat as a present to the followers. He calls Duarte a “loopy man” and guarantees an evening of motion as an alternative of a tactical chess match. It’s a dangerous transfer if he needs to show he’s ranges above the remainder of the division.
This protection isn’t nearly retaining the belt. It’s about answering the doubts that began with Lemos and adopted him via the Paro combat. A dominant win lastly backs up the speak. Something much less suggests his status continues to be operating forward of his outcomes.
