Richardson Hitchins defends IBF super lightweight world title with knockout win over George Kambosos Jr. and remains unbeaten.
Richardson Hitchins has impressively defended his IBF super lightweight world title. The unbeaten local hero (20-0, 8 knockouts) dispatched former world champion George Kambosos Jr. (22-4, 2 knockouts) by body knockout in the eighth round, cementing his status as one of the hottest names in the weight class.
Hitchins, who had won the vacant title against Liam Paro last December, showed ring control and precision from the start. In the eighth round, he landed a devastating left hook to the body that visibly took Kambosos’ breath away. The Australian slowly made it back to his feet, but referee Eric Dali had seen enough and stopped the fight at 1:13 minutes – technical knockout! For Kambosos Jr. it was the third defeat in a row when a world championship belt was at stake. The former lightweight champion, who became famous for his victory over Teófimo López in 2021, now seems to be on the decline for good.
Olympic champion Cruz continues to dominate
Cuban Olympic champion Andy Cruz (6-0, 3 knockouts) also impressed in the preliminary program, underlining his world champion ambitions in the lightweight division. Cruz dominated the fight against the tough Japanese Hironori Mishiro (17-2-1, 6 knockouts) with brilliant footwork and fast combinations. Two knockdowns in round three paved the way to a T.K.O. victory in the fifth round.
Teremoana remains at 100 % knockout rate
Heavyweight hope Teremoana Teremoana from Australia (8-0, 8 knockouts) also made short work of his opponent. The Olympic participant prevailed with an explosive knockout in round one against the previously unbeaten Aleem Whitfield. The fight was stopped after 2:28 minutes. Teremoana thus remains unbeaten with a perfect knockout record and makes a statement in boxing’s premier class.