IBF champion Hitchins vacating title to ascend to 147 pounds
Richardson Hitchins, the IBF junior welterweight champion, has chosen to vacate his title following his agreement with Zuffa Boxing and will be moving up to the welterweight division at 147 pounds.
“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 conveyed his pride in competing for, winning, and holding the title. Similarly, the IBF takes pride in having Hitchins as a world champion. We acknowledged his skill, included him in the rankings, and he followed that path to the championship. The IBF wishes Richardson Hitchins continued success in his future endeavors.”
Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) signed with Zuffa Boxing earlier this month, raising questions as he became the second IBF champion to join the new promotion. Jai Opetaia was stripped of his IBF cruiserweight title after claiming the inaugural Zuffa World Cruiserweight Championship last month. Rather than face another potential dilemma, Hitchins has chosen to vacate and ascend to a higher weight class.
Hitchins was scheduled to defend his IBF title in February against Oscar Duarte but fell ill on the day of the bout and withdrew after struggling with the weight cut and the same-day weigh-in rule that restricts fighters from exceeding 10 pounds over the division’s weight limit.
“It was a difficult choice for Hitchins, but he has outgrown the weight class; he has been competing at 140 since he was 16 as an amateur,” Hitchins’ manager Keith Connolly stated to Ring Magazine. “Hitchins is an elite fighter, and I genuinely believe he will be even better and stronger at welterweight, and that he will contend for a world title at 147 within the next year.”
Prior to his agreement with Zuffa Boxing, Hitchins was in discussions to defend his title against Mexico’s Lindolfo Delgado. However, with Hitchins opting to vacate, the IBF intends for Delgado to compete for the vacant title in his next match.
“The #1 challenger in the division is Lindolfo Delgado, who will be instructed to negotiate for the title with the next leading available contender,” the IBF stated.
At present, Duarte is ranked third by the IBF, with the No. 2 position currently unoccupied.
