The International Boxing Federation has issued a statement to bring clarity to its evolving super lightweight world title status following its champion, Richardson Hitchins, vacating the belt.
Hitchins is one of Zuffa Boxing’s latest acquisitions, following other Keith Connolly-managed fighters like Edgar Berlanga and Conor Benn to the upstart, Las Vegas-based, fight firm.
Another Zuffa fighter, Jai Opetaia, experienced issues in his desire to fight for both the Zuffa belt and the IBF, with the sanctioning body seemingly alarmed at the promotional title receiving parity if not priority in media and ceremonial fight week events.
The IBF said in its statement it received notification from Hitchins on April 20 that he was “relinquishing his title.”
The statement said: “Hitchins expressed his pride in fighting for, winning and holding the title. Likewise, the IBF was proud to have Hitchins as a world champion. We recognized his talent, included him in the rankings and he took that path to the championship. The IBF extends its best wishes to Richardson Hitchins for his continued success.”
It then laid out the pathway going forward.
“The No.1 challenger in the division is Lindolfo Delgado who will be ordered to negotiate for the title with the next leading available contender.”
The most immediate contender is Oscar Duarte — who, like Delgado trains at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Riverside, Southern California.
