Richardson Hitchins Chooses Duarte Over Risk At 140

Since winning the belt from Liam Barrow and defending it against George Kambosos Jr, Hitchens has shown little interest in tightening the competitive noose. There was no public prosecution Gary Antoine Russellwhose style and pressure require constant engagement, and there’s no obvious urgency to explore a fight with Dalton Smith, who carries a different kind of risk. These opponents are turning the title defense into a test. Duarte no.

This is not so much an insult to Duarte as it is an explanation of his usefulness in this place. He has been ranked across multiple sanctioning bodies, and has come on a respectable streak that includes wins over Joseph Diaz Jr. and Batyr Akhmedov, followed by two major wins last year. This record makes him credible enough to satisfy the AIBA while maintaining control in the ring, a balance the titleholder often seeks when there are alternatives.

On Hitchens’ part, the appeal is clear. Duarte is willing, available, and eager, and he has enough name recognition to avoid appearing avoidant without demanding the concessions that come with a real threat. This is a defense designed to maintain the situation rather than challenge it.

The wider picture at 140 pounds sharpens that reading. Hitchens sits in a section where movement is possible but pressure remains optional, especially when Russell remains stuck under his ability and Smith remains high without becoming inevitable. As long as neither is forced into a rotation, Hitchens can continue to rotate around them.

This leaves Duarte as the cleanest path forward. He wants the belt and accepts the role without hesitation. For the hero, this desire is precisely the point. It’s not about Duarte’s jump. It’s about keeping Hitchens in his place, and defending against Duarte allows him to do just that while keeping the Predators right outside the door.