Richardson Hitchins Vacates IBF 140-Pound Title, Moves Up to Welterweight

Overview

• The IBF said it received Hitchins' relinquishment notice Monday, confirming he has given up the junior welterweight title.
• Hitchins, who signed with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing in early April, will fight at 147 pounds after saying he has outgrown 140.
• The IBF plans to order No. 1 Lindolfo Delgado to negotiate for the vacant belt with the next available contender.
• With the No. 2 slot open and Oscar Duarte ranked No. 3, talkSPORT reported the IBF has contacted No. 5 Teofimo Lopez to gauge his availability.
• Hitchins withdrew on fight day in February after a hard cut and a 10-pound same-day rehydration cap, and his exit also avoids a clash like Jai Opetaia’s IBF stripping after joining Zuffa.