Matchroom-signee Richardson Hitchins and Zanfer fighter Jose Zepeda will be headlining a Matchroom/DAZN fight card in Orlando of the USA on September 23rd. The two fighters are one of the highest-rated contenders at 140 lbs and their match will be a significant battle to decide the likely next mandatory contender in the division.
Several titles will be on the line; Richardson Hitchins’ (16-0, 7 KO’s) WBC USA & IBF North American super lightweight titles are up for contention, and the vacant WBO NABO title will also be made available for both him and Jose Zepeda (37-3, 28 KO’s) to fight over. Though these titles are regarded as mid-tier titles, the winner being in possession of those titles puts them one step closer in getting a mandatory shot for either the WBC, WBO or IBF. A win will also see them improve their rankings for this potential shot.
Both American fighters have something to contend for. Jose Zepeda has challenged for a world title on three occasions and missed out on winning a single title when he lost all his three title matches. A win over Richardson Hitchins might be his last opportunity to become regarded as a legitimate contender.
Hitchins himself has never challenged for a world title but has already a win over Zepeda will also see him get closer to that opportunity. Both super lightweights are highly-ranked and though a win doesn’t guarantee a mandatory shot, in boxing, the winner will definitely be considered deserving of a shot given they will have beaten a worthy potential title challenger.
The Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida, has been the designated location for this bout on September 23. Further featured on the US-based card will be a world title unification clash between American WBA & WBC welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill (12-3, 5 KO’s) and British WBO champion Sandy Ryan (6-1, 2 KO’s).
Undefeated middleweight prospect Austin Williams (14-0, 10 KO’s) and rising super lightweight contender Orestes Velazquez (7-0, 6 KO’s) will also be looking to improve on their rankings on their card, and fight their own separate battles against well-rated opponents.
