Richardson Hitchins emerged victorious in an IBF light welterweight title eliminator against Gustavo Lemos, securing a 12-round unanimous decision by the judges. However, the outcome of the fight was met with skepticism and criticism due to the questionable tactics employed by Hitchins throughout the match.
During the fight, Lemos managed to hurt Hitchins multiple times, putting pressure on him and aiming for a knockout. To evade being knocked out, Hitchins resorted to frequent clinching, which disrupted the flow of the fight. Surprisingly, the referee allowed Hitchins to engage in excessive clinching without issuing any warnings or penalties.
The decision in favor of Hitchins was met with outrage from fans on social media and spectators at ringside. Many believed that Lemos was the rightful winner of the fight, as he displayed aggressive tactics, landed more significant shots, and attempted to make the match entertaining despite Hitchins’ defensive strategies.
Hitchins’ game plan primarily consisted of jabbing, moving, and employing frequent clinching to prevent Lemos from landing clean shots. However, his excessive holding crossed the line of fair play, with fans and critics alike noting the lack of control by the referee. The referee’s failure to address Hitchins’ repeated infractions led to a frustrating viewing experience for the audience.
With this victory, Hitchins now finds himself in a position to challenge for a world title against the winner of the upcoming fight between IBF light welterweight champion Subriel Matias and Liam Paro. Despite the controversy surrounding his victory, Hitchins has the opportunity to secure a title shot, potentially facing off against the formidable Matias in the near future.
Following the fight, promoter Eddie Hearn commended Hitchins for his performance, despite the backlash from fans and observers. Hearn’s decision to praise Hitchins raised eyebrows, particularly in light of the questionable tactics employed during the match. As Hitchins prepares for a potential showdown with Matias, questions remain about his ability to hold his own against a top-tier opponent without resorting to illegal tactics.
While some called for a rematch between Hitchins and Lemos with a different referee officiating, it is unlikely to occur. The financial incentives associated with Hitchins moving directly to a title shot make a rematch with Lemos a risky proposition. As the controversy surrounding the fight continues to simmer, the focus shifts towards the future matchups and challenges awaiting Hitchins in the competitive world of boxing.