Richardson Hitchins
has officially informed the IBF that he’ll be vacating his 140 lb world title, opting to move up in weight to 147 now that he’s officially inked a deal with Zuffa Boxing. The IBF confirmed the news today to ESPN, saying they received word from Hitchins’ camp.“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 IBF confirmed in a statement. “Hitchins expressed his pride in fighting
for, winning and holding the title. Likewise, the IBF was proud to have Hitchins as a world champion.”
Hitchins was most recently set to defend his IBF title against Oscar Duarte this past February but got sick from the weight cut and rehydration limit, and ultimately withdrew from the fight on the day of — much to the chagrin of Duarte. Hitchins’ manager Keith Connolly says he fully expects Hitchins to be much better off at this higher weight.
Lindolfo Delgado, the IBF’s #1 rated contender, will be ordered to negotiate with the the highest rated available contender to fight for the now vacant title. Presumably that will be Duarte, who sits at the #3 position.
