Undefeated American professional boxer Richardson Hitchins is confirmed to make his Zuffa Boxing debut and welterweight debut against Ricardo Salas on Friday, July 26, 2026. The 28-year-old Brooklyn native, who holds a professional record of 20-0 with 8 KOs, will face the Mexican contender at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event, designated as Zuffa Boxing 09, marks a significant shift in the career of the former IBF super lightweight champion as he moves up to the 147-pound limit.
Richardson Hitchins vacated his IBF super lightweight title following his signing with Zuffa Boxing in April 2026. The move to welterweight follows a difficult period for the fighter, who has struggled significantly with the 140-pound limit. He was scheduled to fight Oscar Duarte in February 2026 but was forced to withdraw due to illness following the weigh-in, an incident he blamed on the strain of making weight. Hitchins recently noted that he had fought at the 140-pound limit since he was 16 years old and has simply outgrown the division.
The choice of Ricardo Salas as an opponent provides a stern test for Richardson Hitchins’ first foray into the welterweight ranks. Ricardo Salas, 27, represents Mexico City with a professional record of 24-2-2 and 18 KOs. He is currently one of Zuffa Boxing’s highest-ranked welterweights, holding the No. 6 spot with the IBF, No. 9 with the WBO, and No. 13 with the WBC. Salas enters the bout on a 10-fight unbeaten streak, most recently stopping Jesus Saracho in March 2026.
Establishing a new chapter in the welterweight division
Richardson Hitchins believes that moving up to 147 pounds will allow his fans to finally see the best version of his skills. His last outing in June 2025 resulted in an eighth-round TKO victory over George Kambosos Jr., which served as his first defense of the IBF 140-pound title. However, the physical toll of remaining at that weight became unsustainable. By jumping to welterweight, he joins a division where technical mastery often meets increased punching power, a transition many hope will suit his 5 ft 10 in frame and 74-inch reach.
The Brooklyn native has not been shy about his future ambitions, already expressing interest in a high-profile clash with Keyshawn Davis. While he has dismissed potential match-ups with Kelvin Davis as having little career value, a victory over Ricardo Salas would immediately validate his standing in the 147-pound rankings. This strategy mirrors how Giyasov and Catterall might contest vacant titles as divisions shift, highlighting how quickly the landscape can change when a champion moves up.
While Richardson Hitchins confirmed the matchup via social media, Zuffa Boxing has yet to officially announce the full supporting card for the July 26 event. There is widespread speculation that Edgar Berlanga and Sergey Derevyanchenko could appear on the show, which will be broadcast live on Paramount+. The venue itself, the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden, offers an intimate 5,000-seat capacity for the New York homecoming of the Crown Heights resident.
The rise of Zuffa Boxing and its new roster
Since signing with the promotion in April, Richardson Hitchins has become a cornerstone of Zuffa’s expanding boxing portfolio. The promotion’s previous events, including shows in Bournemouth, England, and Las Vegas, have sought to bring a specific high-production feel to the sport. The matchup with Ricardo Salas is strategically designed to keep Hitchins active while introducing him to the Zuffa audience. It is an approach that ensures top talent stays busy, much like how Tyson Fury’s August bout serves as preparation for larger goals ahead.
Ricardo Salas, managed by Sean Gibbons, is far from a pushover for a debut. His 18 knockouts suggest he possesses the power to test Richardson Hitchins’ chin at the higher weight. For Hitchins, this is a calculated risk. A dominant performance in New York would likely lead to much larger televised dates later in 2026. Fans can currently register their interest on UFC.com, with ticket prices for these events typically starting at $91 and rising based on proximity to the ring.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Richardson Hitchins vs. Ricardo Salas fight?
The fight is scheduled for Friday, July 26, 2026, at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event is designated as Zuffa Boxing 09 and will be broadcast on Paramount+.
Why did Richardson Hitchins move to the welterweight division?
Richardson Hitchins vacated his IBF super lightweight title because he had outgrown the 140-pound limit, which he had fought at since age 16. He cited difficult weight cuts and a weight-related illness in early 2026 as the primary reasons for the move.
What are the professional records of Richardson Hitchins and Ricardo Salas?
Richardson Hitchins enters the ring undefeated with a record of 20-0 (8 KOs). Ricardo Salas holds a professional record of 24 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, with 18 of those victories coming by way of knockout.
