Richardson Hitchins stops George Kambosos Jr to retain IBF super-lightweight title

Richardson Hitchins stopped George Kambosos Jr to retain IBF super-lightweight strap

Richardson Hitchins defended his IBF super-lightweight title with an eighth-round stoppage win over George Kambosos Jr in New York on Saturday night, June 15.

The New Yorker was making the first defence of the title he won against another Australian, Liam Paro, in December.

The 27-year-old local hero headlined in his native New York for the first time and dominated the challenger, Kambosos, culminating with a stoppage via a left hook to the body. He rose to his feet but was still wincing in pain and unable to continue safely.

Victory meant that Hitchins moved up to 20-0.

There was just as much drama after the bell, as WBO beltholder Teofimo Lopez entered the ring, but Hitchins dismissed him to call out Devin Haney instead.

Then, Hitchins dropped a bombshell on promoter Eddie Hearn when he declared that he was a free agent. The British promoter was upset, complaining that Matchroom Boxing had invested a lot of money in making him a word champion, and added, "There's no loyalty in boxing. I remember when I met Richardson Hitchins, the door of his car was falling off. I've spent a lot of money investing in a young man that I really respect."

Brighton boxer Adam Maca won his professional debut on the undercard, knocking out Rafael Castillo in two rounds.