Hitchins Leaves Matchroom: Hearn Upset, De La Hoya Eyes the Champion

On the night of June 15, Richardson Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs), IBF Super Lightweight Champion, convincingly defeated George Kambosos (22-4, 10 KOs) with an eighth-round knockout — and then announced the end of his cooperation with Matchroom Boxing.

“I’m grateful to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for the past two years that helped take my career to the top. Now I’m a free agent with many options. I want big fights,” said Hitchins.

Matchroom head Eddie Hearn wasn’t pleased with the announcement. The promoter believes Hitchins’ decision was influenced by disingenuous advisors acting in their own interest.

“I really felt disrespected — because it’s not even him. It’s just the little dogs around him. There’s no loyalty in boxing, and you have to look after yourself.

But when someone pulls you out of the gutter… I remember our first meeting with Richardson Hitchins — the door of his car was literally falling off. I invested a lot of money in a young man I genuinely respected and admired. We gave him fights at Madison Square Garden, ran a card in Orlando with him as the main event where we barely sold tickets and lost money. But I didn’t give up.

I made him the headliner in Las Vegas — again, at a financial loss. Then I paid for the chance to fight Liam Paro for the title, set up the bout with George Kambosos, and brought him back to a big show in New York.

Richardson’s a good guy, but now he’s surrounded by people pretending to be his friends — they’re predators. Some of them are taking as much or more than the promoter who actually invests in you, funds you, and guides you throughout your boxing career,” said Hearn.

Oscar De La Hoya, founder and head of Golden Boy Promotions, quickly reacted to the possible end of Hitchins’ cooperation with Matchroom. The promoter made it clear he’s interested in working with the American champion.

“Richardson, if you’re a free agent — call me,” wrote De La Hoya on Instagram.

Previously, Oscar had made a similar public offer to another Super Lightweight Champion — Teofimo Lopez.