Former super-lightweight world champion Richardson Hitchins made a successful welterweight debut on July 26, 2026, defeating Mexico's Ricardo Salas via unanimous decision in the co-main event of Zuffa Boxing 09 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Hitchins pitched a shutout victory with identical scores of 100-90 across all three judges' scorecards in their 10-round bout.
The 28-year-old Brooklyn native utilized his speed, accuracy, and three-and-a-half-inch reach advantage to outbox Salas, who had previously only suffered two split-decision losses.
Moving Up in Weight
The move up from the 140-pound division allowed Hitchins to avoid the grueling weight cuts that previously impacted his career, including his reliance on the IBF rehydration clause prior to relinquishing his title.
"Way better and way stronger," said Hitchins. "That's my man body.
I feel more durable, and I just feel overall great, conditioning-wise, everything."
Hitchins had previously captured the IBF 140-pound title against Liam Paro in December 2024 and defended it against George Kambosos in June 2025 before withdrawing from a scheduled February 2026 bout against Oscar Duarte due to illness.
"It was all a mission on its own," said Hitchins. "Having to make weight, having to do an IBF rehydration clause.
I've been on the IBF rehydration clause for years now."
Hitchins explained that the difficulties extending beyond reaching the weight limit led to his team's decision to pull out of the Duarte contest to preserve his career longevity.
"I had to do what's best for me and my career and not step into the ring," said Hitchins.
"I just look at it as if someone is gonna beat me, they're gonna beat me at my best."
Addressing the division overall, Hitchins noted the competitive landscape featuring current titleholders Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, Rolando Romero, and Liam Paro.
"I think the glamour division now is 147," said Hitchins.
Hitchins expressed particular interest in setting up a future bout against WBO titleholder Devin Haney to elevate his standing in the sport.
"He's one of the biggest names in the sport," said Hitchins. "I feel like beating him would put me on the pound-for-pound list."
Heading into the bout against Salas, Hitchins expressed complete confidence in his preparation and downplayed his opponent's chances of securing an upset.
"I'm going to stop him regardless, but I'm going to stop him quicker if he comes in the ring and just fights off heart because heart will get you killed," said Hitchins.
Following his dominant win over Salas, Hitchins targeted several prominent welterweights for his next appearances under the Zuffa Boxing platform.
"I want to fight Conor Benn. Bring on Stanionis.
He's with Zuffa also," said Hitchins. "Bring on Brian Norman if I can't get one of the champions."
