Richardson Hitchins Reflects on “Terrible” Performance and Eyes World Title Glory

Richardson Hitchins, the undefeated junior welterweight contender, is ready to make a bold statement in the boxing world. As he prepares to face IBF champion Liam Paro on Saturday night in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Hitchins isn’t just thinking about winning—he’s reflecting on his most recent struggles and how they’ve shaped him.

A “Terrible” Night Against Gustavo Lemos

Hitchins’ path to this title opportunity hasn’t been smooth. In his last fight, the Brooklyn-born fighter narrowly edged Argentina’s Gustavo Lemos in a unanimous decision that left many fans and pundits questioning the outcome. Hitchins, 18-0 (7 KOs), landed 172 punches to Lemos’ 161 over 12 grueling rounds, earning a mandatory shot at Paro.

But for Hitchins, the win felt hollow.

“That was an ass performance as hell against Lemos,” Hitchins candidly admitted. “It was a terrible performance. I worked hard, but camp wasn’t long enough, and I underestimated him. After beating Jose Zepeda, I thought, ‘This guy’s a bum. I’ll walk through him.’ But Lemos came hungry, in shape, and with a rugged pace I wasn’t ready for.”

Hitchins also revealed he was battling a hand injury and severe weight loss leading up to the fight. “I lost six pounds the day before the fight and was drained. I beat him with one hand for most of the fight. That alone shows you the level I’m on,” Hitchins said.

Adding to the pressure, Lemos’ subsequent two-round knockout loss to Keyshawn Davis in November has made Hitchins’ performance look even less impressive in hindsight.

A Shot at Redemption

Now, Hitchins has the chance to redeem himself on one of the biggest stages of his career. Liam Paro, 25-0 (15 KOs), is an undefeated champion who brings a blend of power and skill to the ring. Despite the challenges, Hitchins is confident this fight will mark the beginning of his reign at 140 pounds.

“I’ve been trying to make up for lost time since I signed with Eddie Hearn,” Hitchins said, reflecting on his transition from Mayweather Promotions. “This is my moment to show everyone that I’m part of the elite in this division. After I beat Paro, I’m going to unify the belts and bring a world championship fight to New York City.”

The 27-year-old sees himself as a future thorn in the side of champions like Teofimo Lopez Jr. (WBO), Jose Valenzuela (WBA), and Alberto Puello (WBC).

What’s Next for Hitchins?

Hitchins’ journey isn’t just about winning a title—it’s about solidifying his legacy. He has his eyes set on unification and making his mark in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions. “The belts at 140 pounds have been bouncing around, but I’m going to hold on to mine after I beat Paro. This is my time,” he declared.

With a mix of raw talent, determination, and lessons learned from past struggles, Richardson Hitchins is stepping into the ring on Saturday night with more than just a title on the line. He’s fighting to prove that even on his worst night, he’s still a force to be reckoned with.