Richardson Hitchens (17-0, 7 KOs) received a transparent unanimous choice over Jose Zepeda (37-4, 28 KOs, 2 NCs) of their struggle on the Caribe Royal Orlando in Florida. The conflict headlined a Matchroom Boxing card that was broadcast dwell on DAZN all over the world. Hitchens received with scores of 120-108 (x2) and 119-109.
The struggle started with each males staying at vary. Hitchins established his jab early on which gave Zepeda some issues. Zepeda would come ahead however struggled to land clear all through the struggle. Because the struggle went on, Zepeda’s struggles would proceed as Hitchins continued to land the cleaner pictures from vary, even bloodying Zepeda’s face. Zepeda continued to press ahead in hopes of touchdown a punch that may dent his opponent until the ultimate bell. Hitchins, defensively sound all through, didn’t let that occur as he went on to win a transparent choice.
“This was my first foremost occasion and I instructed ya’ll that I used to be the kind of fighter that might make a veteran fighter appear like an peculiar fighter,” Hitchins stated in a post-fight interview. “I feel I dominated him similar to I dominated my final struggle.”
In the course of the interview, Hitchins spoke about probably preventing as soon as extra earlier than the top of the yr. When and the place that may happen stays unknown in the meanwhile. Though he stated that he’s ready to face anybody, Hitchins expressed a want to face the winner of a possible Regis Prograis-Devin Haney struggle. He additionally referred to as for a conflict towards fellow New Yorker and WBO tremendous light-weight champion Teófimo López.
Image good uppercut from @HeIsRichardson 😤#HitchinsZepeda pic.twitter.com/v76QV7JZjK
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) September 24, 2023
Conor Benn returns
After failing two Voluntary Anti-Doping Affiliation (VADA) drug assessments going right into a proposed struggle with Chris Eubank Jr., Conor Benn (22-0, 14 KOs) returned to the ring with a unanimous choice victory over Rodolfo Orozco (32-4-3, 24 KOs). Two judges had the competition 99-91 whereas the third scored it 96-94.
In October of final yr, Benn himself admitted to failing two VADA drug assessments months aside in an interview with The Solar. At current, Benn can not get a licence within the UK. For this struggle, he was licensed by the Florida Athletic Fee after the Affiliation of Boxing Commissions eliminated him from the nationwide suspension record. Because of this, he was capable of get hold of a license to field within the state of Florida.
Orozco proved to be a sturdy opponent. Regardless of getting hit with numerous laborious pictures to the physique and head, he continued to push ahead and in addition landed some good punches of his personal. In the long run, it was not sufficient as Benn out landed Orozco en path to his first win since a 2022 second spherical TKO of Chris van Heerden. A December return within the UK was introduced up through the post-fight interview. Nevertheless, that may be contingent on the British Boxing Board of Management (BBBofC) licensing Benn.
Jessica McCaskill-Sandy Ryan recap
In a struggle for the WBC, WBO and WBA welterweight titles, Jessica McCaskill (12-3-1, 5 KOs) and Sandy Ryan (6-1-1, 2 KOs) fought to a cut up draw. Scores had been 97-93 for McCaskill, 96-94 for Ryan, and 95-95. With the outcome, McCaskill retains her WBC and WBA titles whereas Ryan holds onto her WBO belt.
The outcome was audibly booed by these in attendance in addition to by ringside commentators. Sunny Edwards, who takes on Jesse “Bam” Rodríguez on December 16 for the unified flyweight championship, referred to as the outcome a “theft.” Challenge was taken with the 97-93 scorecard for McCaskill with many viewing the struggle as a transparent win for Ryan.
All through the struggle, McCaskill had her moments of success nevertheless it was Ryan who landed the cleaner work over ten rounds. Ryan used her jab to arrange proper palms and pictures to the physique of McCaskill. For many of the struggle, McCaskill threw one shot at a time. A quick-paced spherical 9 noticed her shut the hole and land to the top of Ryan. Nevertheless, Ryan responded with energy pictures of her personal to make the spherical aggressive.
Many anticipated Ryan to have her hand raised as soon as the ultimate bell rang. It was to not be because the judges had the struggle a cut up draw, a choice that may garner vital debate within the coming days. Ryan expressed a want for a rematch in a post-fight interview. Whether or not one takes place stays to be seen.
Brawling within the ninth! 🤯#McCaskillRyan | @DAZNBoxing | #HitchinsZepeda pic.twitter.com/2FFoN9R4xV
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) September 24, 2023
Hitchins-Zepeda undercard outcomes
Opening the principle telecast on DAZN, Austin Williams (15-0, 10 KOs) defeated Steve Rolls (22-3, 12 KOs) through unanimous choice in a middleweight bout. All three judges scored the struggle 97-93.
In a brilliant light-weight struggle, Orestes Velazquez (8-0, 7 KOs) stopped Mohamed Soumaoro (13-2, 6 KOs) in spherical eight. The time of stoppage was 2:19.
Khalil Coe (7-0-1, 5 KOs) received through second spherical TKO towards Kenmon Evans (10-2-1, 3 KOs). The time of stoppage for this gentle heavyweight conflict was 1:21.
Jeovanny Estela (13-0, 4 KOs) stopped Luis Ramos within the opening spherical. The time of stoppage was 2:10 for this tremendous welterweight bout.
Jasmine Artiga (11-0-1, 5 KOs) received a unanimous choice towards Josefina Vega (9-7, 4 KOs) in a brilliant flyweight bout. All judges scored the struggle 80-71.
