Richardson Hitchins vs George Kambosos Jr: Who has the edge heading into their fight?

Richardson Hitchins ended last year with an impressive split-decision victory over a previously unbeaten Liam Paro to become the new IBF super lightweight world champion.

Now, the 27-year-old gets to make his first title defense in a homecoming fight when he puts the strap on the line against former unified lightweight world champion George Kambosos Jr at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and live worldwide on DAZN, on Saturday night.

Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) proved that he was levels above Paro in December and will look to defeat another Australian fighter to collect his 20^th pro victory.

Meanwhile, Kambosos (22-3, 10 KOs) will aim to build on his unanimous decision over Jake Wyllie in March and get back to boxing’s mountaintop as his window of opportunity to once again become a world champion is waning.

With the stakes high, DAZN News analyzes who has the edge between the champ and challenger entering this bout.

Boxing Styles

Richardson Hitchins works behind a sharp, snappy power jab effectively, with the ability to disguise a hook as a jab, too.

The Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York native will routinely touch opponents with that range-finding stick and just when they think another jab is being flicked out at them, Hitchins will turn it into a compact left hook.

Once weapons like that are asserted, Hitchins usually brings the right hand which also lands with pop.

That will be up against the body snatching style of Kambosos, who when prompted by punches tends to fire back aggressively.

At times, Kambosos could get caught in the lull of anticipating a superior boxer’s next blow, and eats too many shots because of it, but he does own an overhand right that could make up for that.

The question is can the Australian adjust when Hitchins splits his guard with the jab from the outside? Or will he fall victim to a buffet of jabs all night?

Edge: Hitchins

Power

Nearly four years ago at the same Theater at Madison Square Garden, Kambosos launched a scintillating overhand right that dropped Teofimo Lopez in the first round and powered his way to a huge upset which crowned the Aussie unified lightweight king.

During Matchroom Boxing’s “Make The Days Count” segment building up to Hitchins vs. Kambosos, the champ seemed to have the challenger’s overhand right well scouted as it is a weapon he will need to avoid.

Despite that and Kambosos’ 10 knockouts to Hitchins’ seven KOs, the champ has the kind of pointed power tools that could produce a stoppage here.

Plus, Hitchins has said “I promise I’m going to stop you,” to Kambosos.

Now, in his homecoming bout, it is up to Hitchins to prove it.

This category is a lot closer with Hitchins getting the slight nod.

Edge: Hitchins

Mental Warfare

For whatever reason, Kambosos believes he is living rent free in Hitchins’ head.

He said as much following their faceoff in front of MSG.

Kambosos does count more championship experience, having fought the likes of Lopez, a two-division world champion, former undisputed lightweight king Devin Haney, and future lock Hall of Famer Vasiliy Lomachenko.

That said, Kambosos, who turns 32 on Saturday, has won just two of his last five fights and desperately needs a victory to resurrect his career.

Five years his junior, Hitchins feels like he is entering his prime.

If that hunch is true, he cannot afford to take a loss in his home city and first title defense against a gritty veteran that Haney defeated back-to-back in 2022 and Loma stopped in May 2024.

Hitchins told Kambosos to his face “you’re going to be the easiest payday” during a clip from “Make The Days Count”, giving himself the fuel he needs to record a dominant boxing display.

Edge: Hitchins

Who has the edge in Hitchins vs Kambosos Jr.?

Kambosos has the grit and world championship experience, but Hitchins has the sweet science skills, sharp output and slick defense to have his hand raised and press forward toward a more lucrative bout next.

After Keyshawn Davis’ homecoming fiasco last weekend, Hitchins will not want to have a hiccup with the world watching.

A plate of fresh, home cooking is what he will be looking to serve, instead.

Watch Usyk vs Dubois 2 exclusively live on DAZN PPV, Saturday, July 19. Buy the PPV now here.