Richardson Hitchins teases ‘huge unification fight’ after Oscar Duarte

On February 21, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Richardson Hitchins defends his IBF super lightweight world title against Oscar Duarte on the Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia undercard.

Ahead of Hitchins’ latest title defence, he’s spoken to Dan Rafael, teasing a ‘huge unification fight’ that is on the table should the American navigate past Duarte.

Richardson Hitchins teases potential unification fight after Oscar Duarte

Richardson Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) was last seen in action, delivering a beatdown on George Kambosos Jr to retain the IBF belt he won against Liam Paro. The American showcased his exceptional ring IQ in both fights, utilising his impressive jab and razor-tight defence. 

What was most impressive against Kambosos was how Hitchins stepped on the gas and showed patient aggression to take Kambosos apart. Duarte will bring an aggressive approach to the fight, similar to Gustavo Lemos, whom Hitchins struggled with at times during their fight.

When asked about his hitlist, should he navigate past Oscar Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KOs), Hitchins said:

“It’s presented to me that after this fight, the Dalton Smith fight. I think if we can make a huge unification fight with that, that will be big. 

“You got guys like Garry Russell. I have my mandatory (Lindolfo Delgado), also. I really don’t have a hit list because I know at this level, every guy I fight will be a top guy. As long as I’m getting my credit for fighting and winning, it is what it is.”

The Ring: High Stakes full fight card

• Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia, 12 rounds, for Barrios’ WBC welterweight title
• Richardson Hitchins vs Oscar Duarte, 12 rounds, for Hitchins’ IBF super lightweight title
• Gary Antuanne Russell vs Andy Hiraoka, 12 rounds, for Russell’s WBA super lightweight title
• Frank Martin vs Nahir Albright, 10 rounds, super lightweights
• Bektemir Melikuziev vs Sena Agbeko, 10 rounds, super middleweights

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Barrios vs Garcia, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.