Richardson Hitchins has a new date and arguably an upgraded opponent for his next outing.
Boxing Scene has learned that the unbeaten contender will next face former title challenger Jose ‘Chon’ Zepeda. The junior welterweight crossroads bout will headline a September 23 DAZN show in Orlando, Florida that will include a welterweight unification bout between lineal/WBC/WBA champ Jessica McCaskill and WBO titlist Sandy Ryan.
Brooklyn’s Hitchins (16-0, 7 KOs)—a 2016 Olympian for Haiti—was previously due to face Montana Love, with whom he developed an instant rivalry immediately after he signed with Matchroom Boxing last year.
The two appeared on the same November 12 show in Love’s Cleveland hometown intended to raise interest in a head-on collision. Hitchins prevailed in an eighth-round knockout of Yomar Alamo. Love’s hometown headliner was disastrous, as he was dropped and later disqualified in the fifth round of his battle with Australia’s Steve Spark.
Hitchins went out to soundly outpoint unbeaten John Bauza over ten rounds on February 4 in New York City before revisiting plans to face Love. The two were due to meet on a July 15 DAZN show headlined by Alycia Baumgardner’s revenge-fueled win over Christina Linardatou in her Detroit hometown. Hitchins was left without a fight, however, when Love withdrew due to an undisclosed injury.
Plans were in place to reschedule but never resurfaced, which prompted Hitchins to move forward with his promising career.
Zepeda (36-3, 27 KOs) remains a top-rated contender whose three career defeats all took place in title fights. He suffered a fluke injury in the second round of a July 2015 WBO lightweight title challenge versus Terry Flanagan.
An eight-fight unbeaten streak followed before a narrow points loss to Jose Ramirez in their February 2019 WBC junior lightweight title fight. Zepeda—a 34-year-old southpaw from La Puente, California—then went on a six-fight unbeaten run (five wins and one No-Contest) before he suffered an eleventh-round knockout loss to Regis Prograis in their vacant WBC 140-pound title fight last November.
Zepeda rebounded with ten-round shutout over Neeraj Goyat on March 25 in Guadalajara. He will train with Manny Robles heading into what he hopes is a career revival versus the talented Hitchins.
McCaskill (12-3, 5 KOs) will fight for the first time in 2023 and since her undisputed championship was splintered by the sanctioning bodies. The 38-year-young, Chicago-based welterweight queen was relieved of her IBF and WBO titles after her unsuccessful bid for the undisputed junior welterweight crown in a ten-round defeat to Chantelle Cameron last November in Abu Dhabi.
A chance to regain at least one of her old titles comes courtesy of the ambitious Ryan willing to take on all comers.
The 29-year-old from Derby, England claimed the vacant WBO title in a ten-round points win over previously unbeaten Marie Pier Houle on April 22 in Cardiff, Wales. The win was her third straight, a run which includes a ten-round, unanimous decision over Erica Farias last August to avenge her lone career defeat just five months prior when Ryan first faced the former 140-pound titlist just eight months into her pro career.
McCaskill and Ryan both embraced the idea of a multi-belt unification bout heading into and immediately following Ryan’s win over Houle. The only matter to sort out was a date and location for the championship clash.
Boxing Scene has also learned that middleweight contender Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (14-0, 10 KOs) and junior welterweight prospect Orestes Velasquez (7-0, 6 KOs) will appear in separate bouts versus yet-to-be-finalized opponents on the DAZN undercard.
Last edited by Ruthless-RKO on 18 Sep 2023, 04:10, edited 1 time in total.
Press Release | Orestes Velazquez, Khalil Coe Added To Card
Orestes Velazquez and Khalil Coe continue their journeys in the pro game with step-up fights on Saturday September 23 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN, as they take on Mohamed Soumaoro and Kenmon Evans respectively.
Velazquez (7-0 6 KOs) will defend his WBA International Super-Lightweight title and look to build on his #9 ranking in the WBA in the process. The Cuban amateur standout, who had over 160 fights for the national team before defecting and moving to Florida, is in his fourth straight ten round contest and went the distance for the first time in his last outing, when vastly experienced Argentine Marcelino Lopez extended the 30 year old to the final bell in Las Vegas in March.
Soumaoro (13-1 6 KOs) will be looking to hand a first defeat to Velazquez and take his third ‘0’ in as many fights in Florida. The Canadian-Guinean comes into the bout on the back of impressive upset wins over unbeaten pair Jusiyah Shirley (PTS 6) and Angel Lupercio (TKO 8) in December and March, and the 30 year old will aim to crash into the top ten by completing a hat-trick of big victories.
Coe (6-0-1 4 KOs) continues to rise through the ranks at Light-Heavyweight, and ‘Big Steppa’ will be looking for his own hat-trick as he hunts a third KO win of 2023 in Orlando. The Jersey City man put Buneet Bisla away in the seventh round of his first eight round battle in June on New York, and the 27 year old will meet Evans (10-1-1 3 KOs) over that distance on September 23, with the Florida man looking to bounce back to winning ways.
Velazquez will kick off the main card live on DAZN while Coe will headline the Before the Bell section of the action, and he is joined there by three Floridians looking to make an impact on the big stage, with Super-Welterweight Jeovanny Estella and Super-Flyweight Jasmine Artega tasting action over eight rounds while Bantamweight Roberto Rivera Gomez kicks the whole night off over four rounds, with all three fighters to be matched imminently.
The undercard get to shine on Matchroom’s return to the Sunshine State on a bill topped by World-rated Super-Lightweight Richardson Hitchins taking on Jose Zepeda for the WBC Silver and IBF North American Super-Lightweight titles, on a night promoted in association with Boxlab Promotions.
Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) shone in his last outing in his home city, 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, and the Californian, who has challenged for World titles at both 135 and 140lbs, will be eyeing Hitchins’ lofty standings to reignite his own World championship plans.
The Welterweight division will move one step closer to crowning an undisputed champion on the night as Jessica McCaskill and Sandy Ryan meet for three of the belts.
WBA and WBC champion McCaskill (12-3 5 KOs) is no stranger to undisputed status, having ripped all the hardware at 147 from long-reigning ruler Cecilia Braekhus in August 2020 and then holding onto the belts in a rematch the following March. The Chicagoan defended the belts twice more against Kandi Wyatt and Alma Ibarra before the lure of becoming undisputed champion at a second weight saw her drop down to 140lbs to take on Chantelle Cameron in Abu Dhabi in November, with the Briton coming out on top on that occasion.
WBO belt holder Ryan (6-1 2 KOs) will look to make it back-to-back losses to Brits for McCaskill, as the Derby talent puts the title she won in her last outing against Marie Pier Houle in Cardiff, Wales in April. Ryan, who holds wins over former World champions Anahi Sanchez and Erica Farias, steps straight into the biggest fight in the division in her first defense and can add two belts to take her collection up to three in just her eighth pro fight.
A third fight for the bill in Orlando sees Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams press his claims for World title action at Middleweight as he tackles Steve Rolls.
Williams (14-0 10 KOs) is back in the States having taken out River Wilson-Bent in eight rounds in London in April – his third fight in England – and the Middleweight contender is right on the cusp of landing a World title shot sitting at #2 with the WBA, #10 with the IBF and #11 with the WBC.
Rolls (22-2 12 KOs) will test those ambitions to the fullest though, having shared the ring with Gennadiy Golovkin and Edgar Berlanga in his 24-fight career, and the Canadian will look to get back into contention himself with the WBA International and IBF North American titles on the line.
RICHARDSON HITCHINS faces Jose Zepeda over 10 rounds for the WBC Silver, WBO NABO and IBF North American titles
“I’ve got to say that I am excited. I want to say ‘Thank you, God’ for this opportunity and thank you to you, Eddie, and Matchroom. Jose Zepeda says that I have never fought at this level. But he is forgetting that I was a kid at 22 years old with only ten professional fights and beating guys like Argenis Mendez, a guy who had already won a world title, and for every fight after that, I told anybody and everybody who they put me in the ring with that isn’t on a World championship level that it is a step down.
“Jose Zepeda has fought a lot of professional fights but also, he doesn’t have that on his record. Also, he’s fought a lot of guys who don’t have the athleticism or the same skillset than what I bring to the table. They’re all one-dimensional guys. You know, guys like Ivan Baranchyk, who was one of his best wins, but that guy was nothing. He had no fundamental skills at all in the ring. When he gets in the ring with me this Saturday, it doesn’t matter how many fights he’s had or whether he’s been in with Jose Ramirez.
“There’s a reason why I’m here after 16 fights. I’m a very smart fighter. He’ll figure that out when I open up on him. You will see that on Saturday night. Everything he says when he talks about levels, he’s fought people like Josue Vargas who he talked his way into the fight. I fought my way into this fight, and I have dominated everybody who has been put in front of me. He will be in a tough fight. I’m going to be around here for a long time.
“I can’t say that I’m looking at this as a tough test, but it is a test because Jose Zepeda got here by being a great boxer. But guys like Baranchyk made mistakes against him, so he won. But he can’t do that with me because I don’t make mistakes.”
JOSE ZEPEDA faces Richardson Hitchins over 10 rounds for the WBC Silver, WBO NABO and IBF North American titles
“I’m always ready. I want to say thank you to you Eddie Hearn and to everyone at Matchroom. We added a new trainer in Manny Robles, my brother and Stitch. I want to thank all of them because it’s thanks to them that it has been one hell of a training camp. We always come ready. I’ve been there, done that and I’ve come through everything. I’ve had a little bit of bad luck for my challenger fights, but I believe that I’m in my prime. I know I’m 34 years old, but this is where I’m working the hardest at 34 and where I feel that I’m the best.
“That’s the main reason why I am taking this fight [the prospect of future World title challenges]. But I know in Richardson Hitchins, that he’s a fast fighter and the best prospect out there at 140. I know for a fact that if I beat him, I’m going straight back to the top for a world title shot. So, that’s what I’m looking for and to fight once again for a world title.
“In the fights I have seen of him, he is a talented fighter and a good prospect – but he hasn’t been at this level yet. That’s why in this fight we are going to see if he can work under pressure. There are levels. Trust me when I fought for a world title for the first time against [Jose Carlos] Ramirez, the first time I got hit to the body I knew that it was a different level. It’s different stuff. So, let’s see what it’s all about and see how he handles things on Saturday night.
CONOR BENN returns the ring against Rodolfo Orozco over ten rounds at Super-Welterweight
“There’s no pressure. I’m just going to go in there and do what I do, do what I love to do and what I was born to do. Saturday night has been a long time coming. I’ve had to jump through so many hurdles and this last year has been the hardest fight of my life. So, what can he do to me? I’m just going to go out there and do what I do. If I see an opening, I will take it. He’s got to know that if I see an opening, I will take it. I say that twice because when I say, I mean it.
“He’s my World title fight. That’s how I treat every fighter. Irrespective of people saying this should be a warm-up or this should be a stepping-stone, I treat every fight like it’s for a world title.
“I’ll be happy to get the rounds in, of course. I know it’s worth its weight in gold. But as I said before, if I see and opening, I will take it. I’m a sharp-shooter, I don’t miss. I’m accurate with my shots. I carry the power; I carry the speed. Whatever he wants to do, I can assure you, there will be a response. I can assure you now, there will be a counter. He best think three steps in advance.
“There’s a lot of everything that’s going to come out on Saturday night: frustration, aggression, speed, power. It’s all going to come out. There’s no pressure. If anything, I’m just excited. It’s just pure excitement to get in there and do what I know to do. I am born to fight. This is what I do. It’s in my DNA. My DNA is strong, it’s proven. I was put on this planet to fight. On Saturday night he will soon find out because he said he doesn’t know my name – but after Saturday night he will know my name.”
RODOLFO OROZCO faces Conor Benn over ten rounds at Super-Welterweight
First and foremost, thank you very much to Matchroom. We’ve been waiting for this opportunity to fight here for a long, long time so, of course, we are going to put on a good show on Saturday night.
I’ve been waiting and preparing for a fight like this for a long time. In previous months we’ve been waiting for a big fight like this, and they have fallen through. So, I am completely ready for this fight as I’ve been preparing all the time. We’re coming to win.
Of course, it’s a huge opportunity for me. I am making my debut in this country, and we are coming to win.
JESSICA McCASKILL and Sandy Ryan clash in a unification blockbuster at Welterweight
“I’m ready and I am very excited that my team are here. You look at the tale of the tape and you’ve got a 30-year-old coming for an almost 40-year-old – but not yet! You can think about the age and the numbers, or you can think about your camp and what you’ve been working on or, as she mentioned, studying tapes and things like that. But when it all comes down to it, it’s about getting in the ring and what happens when you get inside that ring.
“I am very excited about this fight. This is a legit, top-notch fight. She fought [Erica] Farias twice. In Farias and some of the people she has fought, I feel like they are the gatekeepers for belts and for certain divisions. That was a legit fight. So, that’s kind of where my mindset is as far as what I am headed to on Saturday night.
“I think it’s very awkward to watch my fights. I don’t have a traditional style or anything. I don’t even watch a lot of my fights. I might watch each fight maybe once or twice to see it from different perspectives but that is it. I just have like root angles and things like that. I don’t know if people maybe they think of my footwork or more punches or to change the pressure or add the pressure. But we work on a bit of everything, so we’ll see what happens on Saturday.
“Saturday will open more doors for other things. So, it is very important that it is a very clean win – not a split decision or anything like that – it needs to be decisive. Switching weight classes there are a lot of females who there but maybe in a different weight class. But in terms of opportunities and belts, I’m trying to get a couple of sets of all the belts. That’s the kind of things we talk about. But let’s get through Saturday first. That’s the focus.”
SANDY RYAN locks horns with Jessica McCaskill in a five-belt unification battle at 147lbs
“It’s a massive moment for me, making my American debut and I am excited for that. As I’ve said in all my interviews, I respect Jessica as a fighter. The way I’m bringing myself into this fight, both physically and mentally, you’re going to see how much respect I do have for her. But I’m just so confident now that I’m bringing all of these belts home.
“Yes, it has been a fast track for me, and I wouldn’t have changed it. It’s made me who I am right now. I’m professional on the job and I have learned the hard way. This is not the amateur game it’s the pro game and I know that. That’s why I live like a pro now. That’s why I believe that I’m bringing those belts back home because I love boxing and this camp has been great.
“I’ve covered everything. I know Jess will come in at her best. People have been asking me about what fights of hers have I watched and if I’ve studied her last fight. I’ve not really watched her last fight. She obviously had a bad day, and I can’t go off that. I believe my ability is much better than hers. I’m not taking anything away from her and I believe I’m much better than her and that this is a new era.”
Richardson Hitchins says he’s too good to feel pressure in headlining for the first time in his career on Saturday night – and will put on a dazzling performance against Jose Zepeda to prove it, as they clash at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN.
Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) is bearing down on the champions at 140lbs, and victory over former World title challenger Zepeda (37-3 28 KOs) would see the Brooklyn ace knocking on the door for a crack at the belts.
The 25 year old joined promoter Eddie Hearn in visiting the School of Hard Knocks gym in Orlando to impart their wisdom on aspiring young fighters, and seeing the work done in the community by the gym reminded Hitchins of how far he’s come from humble beginnings to the edge of glory.
“I don’t really feel the pressure of headlining,” said Hitchins. “I was born to do this; I’m made for it. I think that there’s always been pressure for me for day one, but I handle it because I am confident in my ability and in who I am. I am a special fighter; at the end of the day, it’s boxing and I truly believe I’m one of the best out there.”
“Every opportunity is important, so I am looking at this fight like I have all my previous fights, it’s must-win. If you can master boxing and you can conquer the world, and that’s what I am in the sport for, to be at the very top.
“From starting out to headlining on Saturday it’s been a crazy journey. I think back to being a kid that walked into a boxing gym after seeing Marcus Browne in the 2012 Olympics, I was probably 14, and following that was my first short-term goal to go to the Olympics.
“From there, to signing with Mayweather Promotions, fighting on Showtime, beating a former World Champion in Argenis Mendis, and now headlining my first show; it’s just destiny when you look at it.
“When you are chasing a dream and you are on that journey, it’s easy for people to doubt you or think you aren’t that guy. There are always things on the outside that you may have to overcome, but when you have my focus, your eyes set on that goal, all you must do is focus on that because the storm always ends, and you will get to the sunshine.
“My family was homeless, I have come from a tough beginning, but I always knew boxing would be a way out. I am making sure that me and my family never have to go back to days that I couldn’t help. Period. I think I have a gift and I am using that to make like better for them. I’m able to help and the more I master my craft, I will use it to achieve more and more inside and outside the ring.”
Benns opponent is a pretty interesting figher on paper wight wise.
Turned pro at 16 years old fighting at 108lb....started going up a bit in weight
then at 17 randomly weighed in at 104lb (hard to imagine how... and i assume no weight cut seeing as his opponent was 109 and it was a 6 rounder...)
then a fairly standard move though the weights for a growing lad. 141 up untill 2.5 years ago, 147 9 months ago... Ed is claiming he is a real 154er and not a blown up 140, mabey? hard to say, he is growing into his frame still probably.
Scandalous decision spoiled it.
One judge seeing a draw is just about ok I guess, as long as the other two have the right winner, but that was a really bad decision.
Missed the ammo williams fight, but just looked at boxrec middleweight rankings to see whats going on there..... Holly fornicate that division is dead right now.
Eubank 1, smith 2, a Kazakhstany iv never heard of 3, adams 4, fornicating zerefa 5....
this mexicans defense is very very bad. chins the only reason he is still in there after a round. Some decent offence being offered up by him though. but getting hit with bombs regularly.
Actually fell asleep during the Ammo Williams fight.....so......save the obvious boring fight comment I can't say anything about it or the decision.
Woke up in round two of Ryan/McAskill. That was an entertaining fight but the draw was a gift to Jessica imo.
.......and the crowd agreed with me.
That was actualy a really really fun fight. hope the mexican got well paid, he brang the action, was ungodly tough, and wasnt scared of being rough with the A-side.
Benn landed 10+ home run shots and didnt put him down.
doubt benn fights this year got a cut and probably some very sore hands.... also doubt connor goes 160 no hydation clause because he found out its pretty tough when your small.
