Richardson Hitchins KOs George Kambosos in Dominant World Title Victory

Richardson Hitchins Stops George Kambosos in Dominant Title Defense
Australian star’s career in doubt after eighth-round knockout defeat

New York, NY – George Kambosos Jr.’s hopes of becoming a two-division world champion were dashed Sunday night as Richardson Hitchins delivered a masterclass, stopping the Aussie veteran in the eighth round to retain his IBF super-lightweight title at Madison Square Garden.

Fight Recap
Hitchins, the undefeated Brooklyn native, controlled the bout from the opening bell. Using his height and reach advantage, he bloodied Kambosos early, opening a cut under the challenger’s right eye in the second round. By the eighth, a crushing body shot left Kambosos crumpled on the canvas. Though he rose at the referee’s count of nine, the fight was waved off at 2:33 of the round.

Kambosos faced relentless pressure from Hitchins throughout the fight.

Kambosos’ Career Crossroads
The loss marks Kambosos’ fourth defeat in six fights since his career-defining 2021 upset over Teofimo Lopez. Following defeats to Devin Haney (twice), Vasyl Lomachenko, and now Hitchins, the 32-year-old hinted at retirement: “I’ve fought the best. I chased greatness. Now, I’ll coach my son’s footy team.”

Hitchins’ precision body shot ended Kambosos’ challenge.

Hitchins’ Rise Continues
Hitchins (19-0, 8 KOs), who took the IBF belt from Australia’s Liam Paro in December, solidified his place among boxing’s elite. “I told everyone I’d put him in his place,” he said post-fight, already eyeing bouts with Haney or Lomachenko.

Kambosos Reflects
Despite the loss, Kambosos remained defiant: “I’m a warrior. I fought legends. This is boxing—you win or learn.” Yet with his recent skid, many speculate this could mark the end for the former unified lightweight king.

Kambosos’ 2021 triumph over Lopez now feels distant.

What’s Next?
While Hitchins looks toward marquee matchups, Kambosos faces tough decisions. “Back to the drawing board,” he admitted, though his focus has shifted to family: “Who gives a f*** about cherries? I’ll be coaching my boy.”

As the boxing world applauds Hitchins’ clinical performance, questions linger whether one of Australia’s grittiest champions has thrown his final punch.

Published: 05:37 BST, 15 June 2025 | Updated: 07:05 BST, 15 June 2025
By Darren Walton and James Cooney

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