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Hitchins: "I See Myself Being A Legend In Boxing"
Richardson Hitchins has told Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown
podcast he’s on the path to becoming a legend in the sport –
and the next step on that journey sees him mix with former
World title challenger Jose Zepeda at the Caribe Royale in
Orlando, Florida on Saturday September 23, live worldwide on
DAZN.
Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) is full of confidence ahead of his
first headline act and is fresh off the back of shining at
home in his last outing, putting New Jersey’s John Bauza on
the canvas during a shut-out win at Madison Square Garden,
and the Brooklyn ace now lurks with intent at #6 with the
WBO and #7 with the IBF in the 140lb rankings.
Zepeda (36-3 27 KOs) represents a significant barrier to
Hitchins’ plans to move into World title contention though,
but Hitchins believes that the Californian, who has
challenged for World titles at both 135 and 140lbs, is the
perfect opponent to prove that he’s ready to
“Now my foot is in the door headlining my first show against
someone who has a great name in the division,” said Hitchins.
“It shows my pedigree and skills that I display to get to
this part of the journey.
“Zepeda has competed on the World stage. It’s a level up
from my previous opponents but if I am who I believe I am, I
should win this fight and possibly get him out of there.
“There’s a lot on the line right now but I’m not focused on
the belts. My job is to go out there and dominate Zepeda and
show who I am, then we can look at the landscape of the
division.
“I see myself being a legend of the sport, who has mastered
the craft of boxing. I want to inspire the next generation,
if you see the progression in my career from my amateur
status to now, I can relate to the young talent coming
through.”
Hitchins also reveals how a visit from Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis
boosted his preparations and gives his pick for the
potential showdown between Regis Prograis and Devin Haney.
The episode also features World title challenger John Ryder
talking targeting Gennadiy Golovkin and Jaime Munguia, IBF
and Ring Magazine champion Jai Opetaia talks his upcoming
defense against Jordan Thompson, leading trainer Jamie
Moorepicks his perfect dinner party line up in Food Fight
and commentator royalty Mike Costello takes another trip
down memory lane with a certain Smokin’ Joe Fraizer, plus
there’s a cameo from Eddie Hearn and more!
Hitchins’ clash with Zepeda is part of a stacked night of
action in Orlando, with the Welterweight division will move
one step closer to crowning an undisputed champion on the
night as WBA and WBC champion Jessica McCaskill (12-3 5 KOs)
and WBO belt holder Sandy Ryan (6-1 2 KOs) meet for three of
the belts.
Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (14-0 10 KOs) press his claims for
World title action at Middleweight as he tackles Steve Rolls
(22-2 12 KOs) and will Orestes Velazquez (7-0 6 KOs) will
defend his WBA International Super-Lightweight title to kick
off the main card against Mohamed Soumaoro (13-1 6 KOs).
Khalil Coe (6-0-1 4 KOs) continues to rise through the ranks
at Light-Heavyweight, and ‘Big Steppa’ headlines the Before
The Bell action and will be looking for his third KO win of
2023 against Kenmon Evans (10-1-1 3 KOs). Super-Welterweight
Jeovanny Estella (12-0 3 KOs) and Super-Flyweight Jasmine
Artega (10-0-1 5 KOs) tasting action over eight rounds while
Bantamweight Roberto Rivera Gomez (3-0 2 KOs) kicks the
whole night off over four rounds, with all three fighters to
be matched imminently.
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