Subriel Matias vs Richardson Hitchins Title Bout Possible for 2024
Top IBF junior welterweight contender Richardson Hitchins (17-0, 7KO) might be on the cusp of a title shot against IBF champion Subriel “El Orgullo de Maternillo” Matias (20-1, 20KO). The question lingers: does Hitchins have what it takes to dethrone the champion?
TWO FIGHTERS SKILLFUL IN THEIR OWN WAY
Anyone who has witnessed Hitchins in the ring recognizes his exceptional talent. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, the decorated amateur excels behind the jab. In his recent outing, he effortlessly handled two-time title challenger Jose Zepeda on September 23.
However, Matias, a determined Puerto Rican, showcased his prowess by dismantling undefeated #3 IBF contender Shohjahon Ergashev within six rounds on November 25. Boxing fans learned that he isn’t a one-dimensional fighter and has far more tools in the toolbox than imagined. Following this impressive victory, the champion promptly called out some of the top names in the division.
This fight has the makings of a skillful boxer versus a skilled puncher. Hitchins, a superb boxer that throws combination punches with ease and excellent footwork, has not encountered someone who cuts off the ring and delivers power shots with Matias’s accuracy. As previously mentioned, Matias beat down a good boxer in Ergashev, but the footwork, angles and jab of Hitchins is hard to deal with when he is clicking on all cylinders.
Both fighter’s are beaming with confidence and continue to show tremendous growth with each fight. Heading into 2024, the junior welterweight division holds the promise of becoming the hottest division in boxing. With no big fights on the immediate horizon for Matias, the IBF may very well name Hitchins a mandatory challenger in 2024.
