Richardson Hitchins has proven he is ready in back-to-back step-up fights
The amateur circuit is a breeding ground for potential future world champions. Amateur fighters often use their accolades as a way of landing with a good promotional company as all the top promoters constantly replenish their stable with fresh blood. Richardson Hitchins (13-0, 5ko) is a 24-year-old Brooklyn native on the rise in the professional ranks.
Hitchens is a highly decorated amateur fighter. He won the Golden Gloves twice, became a Silver Glove nationalist, and represented Haiti in the 2016 Olympics. Some of the other fighters he faced in the amateurs are viewed as the future of boxing, such as Gary Antuanne Russell, Abraham Nova, Vergil Ortiz Jr, and Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
Hitchins has gained tons of experience by sparring world champions Gervonta Davis and Terence Crawford. In 2017, he caught the eye of Hall of Famer Floyd “Money” Mayweather and was signed to his promotional company.
Making his debut under the Mayweather banner, Hitchins scored an impressive first-round knockout against Mario Navarro, on the undercard of the unification bout between then WBA ‘super’ welterweight champion Keith Thurman and WBC champion Danny Garcia.
PASSING THE STEP-UP TEST
In 2020, he won a good step-up fight against IBF world champion Argenis “La Tormenta” Mendez. The Brooklyn native showed amazing versatility, shifting levels of his attack. He started building everything off the jab and his footwork was on point. Later, he decided to fight in close, landing quality hooks and short uppercuts.
The experience of that fight would pay dividends in his next assignment with fellow stablemate Malik “Ice Man” Hawkins (18-2, 11ko) on December 18. Hawkins’s sole defeat came at the hands of top-rated Subriel Matias, so this was yet again a good test for the young prospect.
Hitchins right away showed the difference in class. He used that sharp, crisp jab to blind his opponent before landing an overhand right. Moreover, his counter-punching ability was on full display as he landed a pull counter right-hand on several occasions. Hawkins would have moments in close, going to the body with hard left and right hooks.
Nonetheless, his quick combinations and footwork carried the day. He looked impressive in another step-up fight, winning by unanimous decision.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE YOUNG PROSPECT?
The sky is the limit for Mayweather’s current protégé as he has the size and skill to compete at junior welterweight or welterweight. Both divisions are loaded with potential good fights, and judging from the eye test, the young man passes with flying colors.
Typically, the bring-along process for fighters can be slow. However, Hitchins is ready to challenge someone ranked within the top 15. His level of maturity and growth per fight says it is time to start moving towards contender status in 2022.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
By: Garrisson Bland
