Richardson Hitchins believes he is a future star in boxing.
Hitchins fights Gustavo Lemos in the main event of a card at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas on Saturday. The junior welterweight bout is an IBF eliminator for the belt currently held by Subriel Matias.
Matais fights Liam Paro on June 15 in Puerto Rico.
Hitchins (17-0, 7 KOs) anticipates solidifying his status as one of the best in the division against Gustavo Lemos (29-0, 19 KOs). In a video posted by Hitchins’ promoter, Matchroom Boxing, the fighter gave details about his mindset heading into his marquee fight.
“I have all the attributes to be a pound-for-pound great,” Hitchins said. “There is not really any ceiling for me, potential-wise.”
Hitchins believes his talent speaks for itself.
“My confidence comes from the work I have been putting in for years,” Hitchins said. “I have been boxing at a high level since the Olympics and national championships. It is about continuing to work hard and continuing to believe in my skills.”
A 2016 Haitian Olympian, Hitchins has stayed active, fighting twice in 2023 – against undefeated prospect John Bauza and former world title contender Jose Zepeda. With a win over Lemos, Hitchins becomes the mandatory for a world title shot.
Hitchins views Lemos as a limited power puncher who must be careful of disrespecting Hitchins’ own power.
“He is a strong, aggressive guy,” Hitchins said. “If he goes in there and makes a mistake, he is going to see his ass on the canvas.”