Boxing Match Preview: Richardson Hitchins (20-0-0, 8 KOs) vs. Oscar Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KOs)
Event Overview
The boxing world turns its attention to Las Vegas for a high-stakes card headlined by Mario Barrios defending his WBC welterweight title against Ryan Garcia. The co-main event features IBF super lightweight champion Richardson Hitchins defending his belt against hard-hitting contender Oscar Duarte. This matchup pits Hitchins’ slick boxing and undefeated record against Duarte’s relentless pressure and knockout power, potentially stealing the show on a night filled with title fights. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Matchroom Boxing, the event is expected to draw a packed crowd at the iconic T-Mobile Arena, known for hosting major combat sports spectacles.
- Venue Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. This state-of-the-art venue has a capacity of over 20,000 for boxing events and is famed for its electric atmosphere during high-profile fights like those involving Canelo Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather.
- The broadcast begins at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PST), with undercard action starting earlier. Ringwalks for the Hitchins vs. Duarte co-main event are anticipated around 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PST), airing live on DAZN PPV.
Injury Report
No significant injuries have been reported for either Richardson Hitchins or Oscar Duarte leading up to this fight. Hitchins has been active in camp without issues, focusing on strategy against Duarte’s style. Duarte, training under Robert Garcia, has shown no signs of setbacks from his recent bouts, entering on a four-fight win streak fully prepared.
Fighter Matchups: Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte
This super lightweight co-main event is for the IBF world title, a 12-round contest at 140 pounds. Hitchins, the slick counterpuncher, faces Duarte’s aggressive, power-driven style in what could be a “matador vs. bull” scenario. Expect Hitchins to use movement and precision to frustrate Duarte, while Duarte aims to close distance for a potential knockout. The fight has a high chance of going the distance (65%) if Hitchins controls range, but Duarte’s volume could force an exciting finish.
Fighter Profiles and Recent Form
Richardson Hitchins (“Africa”)
- Record: 20-0-0 (8 KOs)
- Age: 28
- Height/Reach: 5’9″ / 74″
- Stance: Orthodox
- Strengths: Technical boxing; high-volume striking; undefeated with recent title wins.
- Weaknesses: Limited knockout power; tested in close decisions.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Jun 14, 2025 | George Kambosos Jr. | Win | TKO (Punches) | 8 / 2:33 |
| Dec 7, 2024 | Liam Paro | Win | Split Decision | 12 / 5:00 |
| Apr 6, 2024 | Gustavo Daniel Lemos | Win | Unanimous Decision | 12 / 5:00 |
| Sep 23, 2023 | Jose Zepeda | Win | Unanimous Decision | 12 / 5:00 |
| May 20, 2023 | John Bauza | Win | Unanimous Decision | 10 / 5:00 |
Hitchins is on a 20-fight win streak, capturing and defending the IBF title with a mix of decisions and stoppages.
Oscar Duarte (“La Migrana”)
- Record: 30-2-1 (23 KOs)
- Age: 30
- Height/Reach: 5’9″ / 71″
- Stance: Orthodox
- Strengths: Explosive knockouts; relentless pressure; four-fight win streak.
- Weaknesses: Losses to elite punchers; decision-prone against skilled boxers.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Aug 2, 2025 | Batyr Akhmedov | Win | Unanimous Decision | 10 / 5:00 |
| Apr 27, 2025 | Joseph Diaz | Win | KO (Punches) | 9 / 2:32 |
| Nov 15, 2024 | Miguel Madueno | Win | KO (Punches) | 7 / 2:09 |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Kenneth Sims Jr. | Win | Unanimous Decision | 10 / 5:00 |
| Dec 2, 2023 | Ryan Garcia | Loss | KO (Punch) | 8 / 1:10 |
Duarte is 4-1 in his last five, rebounding from the Garcia loss with impressive stoppages.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Hitchins and Duarte. No prior head-to-head or common opponents provide direct insights, but Duarte’s pressure style contrasts Hitchins’ technical approach, setting up a classic boxer vs. puncher dynamic.
FIGHT ODDS
Richardson Hitchins – 400
Oscar Duarte + 275
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
