Hitchins Hits Body: Kambosos KO’d!

Richardson Hitchins made his first defense of his IBF 140 lb. title last night at Madison Square Garden with a viscous body attack. This was a dominant performance from beginning to end as Hitchins turned in an exciting showing. Hitchins who has been a pure boxer lacking in fire scored just his eighth stoppage last night and avoided the clinching that has plagued some previous fights. Hitchins also stood his ground more firmly and took real initiative on the front foot and exchanged in round five and round six leading to the punishing finish in the eighth round.

What was more impressive and memorable was Hitchins calling his shot. In the eighth round Kambosos was bruised, cut and completely outclassed. Hitchins pointed and looked toward the Aussie’s corner and asked them to stop the fight. They did not and Hitchins shortly after threw the fight ending left hook to the body and another right hand for extra measure while Kambosos was headed to the canvas. Kambosos showed tremendous bravery rising to his feet. He had his back turned to referee Michael Griffin with his head between the ropes his face to the crowd. Kambosos faced Griffin at nine and was waved off mercifully by the referee who had seen enough. It was a good stoppage as the fight was over and Kambosos was finished.

Hitchins dominated the fight from start to finish with a masterful jab. Devin Haney was able to largely control Kambosos in their two title fights exclusively with his jab. Hitchins is an even bigger fighter than Haney and the jab damaged Kamboso’s right eye early in the match. The challenger’s eye had a swollen mouse forming as early as round two and began bleeding in the third round. Hitchins ability to throw and land two or three jabs consecutively was impressive. He also threw this accurate straight right hand counter when Kambosos tried to rush in. Hitchins would not sit on it or get much weight on it but it proved an effective deterrent. The left hook, especially to the body became an effective weapon.

The fifth round proved to be the consequential round of the fight as Kambosos was rocked by a left to the body with about a minute remaining. Hitchins who is normally a very cautious defensive fighter and not a puncher by any means showed a rare killer instinct. He unleashed combinations on his wounded for in an attempt to end the fight. Kambosos survived the round but was it was clear to any observer that the fight was strategically over. Kambosos winced from the body blows and bravely made it to the bell and continued for another two full rounds.

The sixth round was the best round of the fight. Hitchins no longer respected what was coming his way which was not much to begin with. Kambosos’s corner had been pleading with him to throw more and not just the one jab or power punch at a time. Hitchins seemed to feel the knockout was still there and Kambosos was there for the taking and stood toe to toe. Kambosos got in a few sneaky right hands, an uppercut and a left hook or two around the guard. He even drew blood from the lip of Hitchins in what would prove to be the last gasp for him. In the seventh Hitchins went back to the jab at range and made Kambosos miss wide on several hooks. Kambosos looked like a tired beaten fighter as his punches were losing steam and the jabs were sending his head back.

Back to Reality

In my previous post I was very cold on this fight. I wrote that Kambosos did not deserve this title fight especially at 140 where he has done nothing at the world level. I predicted an easy and dull fight that would be one sided. I do not want to rain on Hitchins parade because I feel he exceeded my expectations. He did not clinch and scored a stoppage, just his eighth in twenty fights. But lets be realistic, Kambosos was chosen for a reason. He was picked to be an easy opponent to showcase Hitchins in his first defense in a main event on home turf. Kambosos was the older, slower, shorter, and out manned fighter I and plenty of others said and expected him to be. I do not want to overate this win but I do want to ground it in reality while still giving Hitchins credit for a solid performance. This is the type of fight I hope we see Hitchins have moving forward as he steps up in class.

Next for Hitchins?

Teofimo Lopez was ringside and holds a title in the division. Both fight on DAZN and both have a New York connection. This should be an easy fight to make. Hitchins also called out Devin Haney in what would be an interesting fight though it does have he potential to be a snoozer. Even a fight with former titleholder Subriel Matias or a fight with Keyshawn Davis would be interesting. There are so many names in and around the division that could make solid fights. At 27 Hitchins should be entering his peak and ready to make big fights.

George Kambosos and the Future of his Career

This result shows how Kambosos is in trouble. If he can’t get back down to lightweight. It reminds me a bit of Arturo Gatti at the end of his career where he could not sweat down to 140 but was too small for 147. At this weight Kambosos is going to be at a severe disadvantage. Kambosos has never been a tremendous puncher and he is vulnerable to the jab and struggles with movers. The division is loaded with talent and there are many solid guys at the weight below that may be moving up soon. It is difficult to see where the Aussie former unified champion goes from here. He is only 32 but the wear and tear of the pro ranks seems to have run its course on him and it is difficult to say what he has left. If he still has any drawing power Down Under maybe he can make a big payday or two,

Undercard Results

-Teremoana Teremoana the 6’6 265 lb. heavyweight gets to 8-0 with 8 KO’s with a first round TKO over 9-0 Aleem Whitfield. Teremoana scored his fifth consecutive first round stoppage and made his third appearance this year. I like the activity and he has punishing power. I am curious to see how he does when he steps up, so far he has not gotten past the second round.

-Cuban Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Cruz advanced to 6-0 with 3 KO’s with a fifth round TKO over Japan’s Hinorio Mishiro. Cruz is just another interesting fighter getting into the mix

-Newark’s own Zaquin Moses advanced to 4-0 with 3 KO’s with a dominant stoppage win. The cousin of Shakur Stevenson at just 20 is getting ready to develop as a pro.