Richardson Hitchins has confirmed he will vacate his IBF super lightweight title and move up to the welterweight division, ending his reign after just one successful defense.
The decision comes shortly after Hitchins signed with Zuffa Boxing, with his manager Keith Connolly explaining that the Brooklyn-born fighter has outgrown the 140-pound division. Connolly stated that Hitchins, who has competed at the weight since his amateur days, is expected to be stronger and more effective at 147 pounds and could be fighting for a world title within the next year.
Hitchins originally captured the IBF belt in December 2024 with a unanimous decision victory over Liam Paro and defended it once by stopping George Kambosos with a body shot in the eighth round last June. His planned February bout against Oscar Duarte was canceled on fight day due to illness, and a rescheduled fight never materialized.
The move also halts IBF plans for a mandatory defense against Lindolfo Delgado, with purse bids for that bout now canceled. Instead, Duarte and Delgado are expected to fight for the vacant title, though that matchup presents complications as both fighters are trained by Robert Garcia.
Hitchins becomes the second world champion to sign with Zuffa Boxing after Jai Opetaia, and notably, both fighters relinquished their titles following their moves.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing