Brooklyn boxer Richardson Hitchins has voluntarily surrendered his IBF super lightweight championship belt, announcing his decision on social media just two weeks following his signing with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing organization.
The 28-year-old fighter took to X to explain his reasoning, stating: “I’ve outgrown 140 and my days at the weight is done. Let’s go!!!”
The International Boxing Federation officially confirmed Hitchins’ decision through a statement released Tuesday.
“On the evening of April 20, 2026, the IBF received notification from Richardson Hitchins that he was relinquishing his IBF Jr. Welterweight World title,” the organization stated. “Hitchins expressed his pride in fighting for, winning and holding the title. Likewise, the IBF was proud to have Hitchins as a world champion.”
The statement continued: “We recognized his talent, included him in the rankings and he took that path to the championship. The IBF extends its best wishes to Richardson Hitchins for his continued success.”
Hitchins captured the championship belt in 2024 following a unanimous decision victory over Liam Paro in Puerto Rico. The Brooklyn-born fighter maintains a perfect professional record of 20-0, with eight victories coming by way of knockout.
This decision eliminates any chance of a rescheduled match between Hitchins and Lindolfo Delgado. The bout was originally planned as a replacement for Hitchins’ February contest against Oscar Duarte, which was cancelled due to the champion’s illness.
With the title now vacant, Delgado is positioned to compete for the championship in his upcoming fight. Delgado and Duarte appear to be the most logical contenders for the empty title, though both fighters train under Robert Garcia, which could create complications for arranging such a matchup.
Hitchins becomes the second fighter to join Zuffa after Jai Opetaia, who was actually stripped of his IBF cruiserweight championship following his victory at the Zuffa World Cruiserweight Championship in March. By moving up in weight class, Hitchins may have avoided a similar fate of being stripped of his title.
The former champion is set to make his debut with Zuffa Boxing during the summer months.
