Richardson Hitchens: Prograss is a real matchup for this year or next

Richardson Hitchens has thanked promoter Eddie Hahn for bringing him back to New York. He is preparing to defend the IBF North American Super Lightweight Title.

Hitchens (15-0 7 KO) took the final step on the ropes for the Big Apple at the Barclays Center in May 2019. Since that night he’s been patching up at home, and he’s only played 6 games in almost 45 months across America.

The 25-year-old is thrilled to finally be back in front of the die-hard fight fans in his city, with renewed momentum in his career, showing off a full Arsenal and promising a great year. I vowed to get what I had in style.

Hitchens believes he’s in a better place after teaming up with Hearns Matchroom at the end of 2022. Hahn won the undefeated super-lightweight division and soon handed him his first title fight against Yomar’s Alamo in Cleveland in November.

Hitchins retired Alamo after dominating Puerto Rico for eight rounds, wrapping the first belt around his waist. His defense against Bauza on Saturday was the quickest turnaround in a fight Hitchens has had in his four years, and his name has earned him a massive fight in one of boxing’s premier divisions. We believe that by participating, everyone will speak up.

“It’s been a long time since I boxed in my city,” Hitchens said. “It’s the homecoming you’ve been craving for so long. wax.

“I just need to get out there and deliver. I have the talent to do big things in the sport, but I have to keep improving. Day by day, week by week, month by month, fight by fight.

“We’re making up for lost time and putting ourselves where we should be. I should be in a better place now, but that’s God’s plan.

“Everything has changed now. I feel relevant. There is purpose and activity. It used to be difficult to stay committed. I may have been away from my wanderings for a while, another game day is coming up so now I have to keep my weight down and stay on track. I just want to be busy and sharp.

“It’s one of the most competitive divisions in boxing. There are a lot of punchers in the 140 division and Regis Prograis is going to bring people out of there. We believe we are with the best in the sector, and we are ready to show that this year.

Hitchens’ clash with Bauza was part of a historic night of action at the Hulu Theaters at Madison Square Garden, with Amanda Serrano returning to Hulu Theaters to look to retain all the marbles for a second time. . She’s at the featherweight division this time against her WBA reigning champion Erica of Mexico. cruise.