Richardson Hitchins remained unbeaten however struggled within the course of.
The 140-pound contender, who’s hoping to get huge fights, needed to dig deep to defeat relative unknown Gustavo Lemos by a unanimous, however tight determination Saturday in Las Vegas.
Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs) received by scores of 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113, with solely the later two tallies reflecting what occurred within the ring.
The winner boxed nicely, combating successfully behind his jab for many of the struggle. Nevertheless, Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs) used fixed stress to power Hitchins to have interaction with him and sometimes bought the higher of the motion in an entertaining scrap.
The fighters have been nearly inseparable when it comes to CompuBox stats, with Hitchins outlanding Lemos by solely 11 punches general, 172-161.
Nevertheless, Hitchins had a major benefit in jabs landed (98-22) whereas Lemos had an enormous edge in energy photographs that linked (139-74). Fighters are usually rewarded extra for the latter than the previous.
Nonetheless, one choose, Tim Cheatham, someway had Hitchins successful 117-111, 9 rounds to a few. The 115-113 scores made sense.
Hitchins hoped a victory on this struggle would result in a title shot. The 26-year-old from Brooklyn stated he’d be very happy to face IBF junior welterweight champ Subriel Matias.
In the meantime, the 28-year-old Lemos, who has a victory over Lee Selby however by no means fought outdoors his native Argentina, proved along with his robust efficiency that he’s among the many higher 140-pounders.
He got here up brief on the scorecards however most likely earned no less than yet another important struggle.
