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Why Richardson Hitchins already has an advantage over Oscar Duarte
Staring down a title defense Saturday night has not stopped Richardson Hitchins from continuing to preview what a fight with Devin Haney would look like.
That said, in order to further try to talk that bout into fruition, Hitchins will first look to defend his IBF super lightweight world championship against a gritty Oscar Duarte at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and live on DAZN PPV and Ultimate Tier.
The bout will serve as chief support to WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios clashing with Ryan Garcia in the headliner
In his sole ring appearance of 2025, Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) dazzled by dominating an outclassed George Kambosos Jr. at the Madison Square Garden Theater in June.
Meanwhile, Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KOs) was more active last year, following a seventh-round knockout of Miguel Madueno in February with a majority decision over Kenneth Sims Jr. in August.
Will Hitchins outpoint Duarte behind one of the best jabs in boxing? Or will Duarte deliver enough heavy-handed punches to snatch the IBF title?
DAZN News examines who has the edge heading into this championship bout.
Boxing Styles
Richardson Hitchins works behind a piston-like jab that is more than capable of keeping opponents at bay as it tends to find a home upstairs or to the body. Once he has his jab working, the champ likes to laser-beam his right hand through fighters’ guards for more points as part of his technically-sound brand of sharp boxing.
His style will be up against the pressure of Oscar Duarte who presses forward and closes ring real estate between opponents and himself before launching heavy-handed shots in the pocket, especially to the body.
Hitchins, though, is masterful with his jab to the point where he could dictate the terms of a fight. Plus, he has a three-inch advantage in reach. He gets the nod here.
Edge: Hitchins
Power
If Duarte is able to eat a jab or two in order to unload power punches on Hitchins, the Mexican fighter is going to do it and it could spell trouble for the champ. Duarte pounds the body relentlessly before giving himself the green light with his overhand right.
Hitchins has power as well and is coming off a stoppage victory, capable of ending the night early for Duarte with persistence.
That said, Duarte takes this category comfortably.
Edge: Duarte
Mental Warfare
Hitchins’ jab can take him all around the world and he knows it.
To Duarte’s assertion at Thursday’s press conference that he will knock Hitchins out, the champion retorted “you better use your brain in that f—g ring.”
Hitchins is surgical with the way he reads and dismantles opponents and has noted how Duarte got knocked out at the hands of Garcia, the show’s headliner, back in December 2023. Hitchins owns the advantage when it comes to mental warfare.
Edge: Hitchins
Who has the edge in Hitchins vs. Duarte?
DAZN News has the edge residing with Hitchins, 2-1, entering this championship bout. With so many eyes on the super lightweight division, Hitchins’ chief support spot on this card, provides him with an opportunity to shine by picking Duarte apart.
Watch Barrios vs. Garcia only on DAZN PPV
The WBC welterweight world title is on the line this Saturday - Feb 21 - as Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia go toe-to-toe, exclusively on DAZN. Buy the PPV as a one-off cost or get included with DAZN Ultimate Tier.
For more information, pricing and to buy, click here.
