Richardson Hitchins Dominates Ricardo Salas in One-Sided Zuffa Debut

The former IBF champion won every round on all three scorecards, using his jab, defense and footwork to neutralize Salas in his welterweight debut.

Richardson Hitchins made a successful start to his Zuffa Boxing career, outboxing Ricardo Salas over 10 rounds to earn a unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden. The victory highlighted Hitchins’ elite defensive skills, but his cautious approach produced few memorable moments despite the shutout on the scorecards.

All three judges scored the fight 100-90 after Hitchins controlled the action with a sharp jab, disciplined defense, and careful ring movement. It was an impressive result in his first fight since moving up from light welterweight, though the performance leaned more on technique than entertainment.

Salas tried to force exchanges by attacking the body and walking Hitchins down, but he rarely found clean openings. Hitchins consistently backed away when pressure arrived, then tied Salas up before the Mexican could work on the inside. The tactic frustrated Salas throughout the fight, although the repeated clinches slowed the pace and drew much of the energy out of the contest.

The former IBF champion built his offense around a jab that landed with remarkable consistency. Straight right hands and left hooks followed behind it, allowing Hitchins to pile up points without taking many clean shots in return.

Salas spent much of the fight swinging at air as Hitchins slipped shots with his shoulder-roll defense before moving out of range.

Salas kept coming forward despite absorbing repeated jabs and left hooks.
Hitchins never changed his approach, remaining content to box at long range before tying up his opponent whenever the distance disappeared.

His corner encouraged him to push for a stoppage late in the fight, but Hitchins stayed with the disciplined strategy that had already secured a commanding lead. Salas heard the final bell without ever finding a solution to the Brooklyn fighter’s style.

Following the victory, Hitchins revealed that his right hand began bothering him midway through the fight because of an injury suffered in training camp. He also mentioned Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, and Devin Haney as opponents he would like to face next.

The three 100-90 scorecards left no doubt about the official winner, although the fight itself lacked sustained exchanges. Hitchins boxed with discipline, giving Salas few opportunities to work while doing just enough offensively to sweep every round.

Share on Facebook

Post on X