Undefeated super lightweights Richardson Hitchins and Gustavo Daniel Lemos square off in an IBF title eliminator bout scheduled for April 6 in Las Vegas. Though both fighters have won every fight in their professional careers and Lemos has 12 more victories on his resume, oddsmakers installed Hitchins as a big -600 favorite on the opening betting line. Hitchins looks to ride the momentum of an impressive win over former WBC light welterweight challenger Jose Zepeda last September.
He’s a few years older and has more fights on his professional resume, but Lemos should be well rested after not fighting for two years. That hiatus is part of the reason why Lemos is a +425 underdog on the opening line. He scored a fifth round TKO of former IBF featherweight champ Lee Selby in March 2022 in his last fight. Lemos has been a regional champion for years as both a lightweight and super lightweight. He stepped up in class to battle Selby facing an opponent on the downslope of his career who retired from boxing a month after Lemos’ victory.
Richardson Hitchins vs. Gustavo Daniel Lemos Betting Odds
Richardson Hitchins -600
Gustavo Daniel Lemos +425
The 12-round super lightweight fight between Richardson Hitchins ( 17-0, 7 KOs ) and Gustavo Daniel Lemos ( 29-0, 19 KOs ) will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, NV and will be streamed on DAZN.
Richardson Hitchins vs. Gustavo Daniel Lemos Fight Preview
In the unlikely event of a draw one of these fighters will unfortunately suffer defeat for the first time in his pro career. The winner moves up the ranks for a mandatory title fight with current IBF super lightweight belt holder Subriel Matias. Hitchins has been the busier fighter with four bouts on his docket since the last time his opponent entered the ring.
It’s been a good couple of years for the WBC No. 2 ranked super lightweight. Hitchins started the four-fight run with a TKO of Angel Sarinana Rodriguez in May 2022 followed by a stoppage of former WBO-NABO light welterweight champ Yomar Alamo six months later. His last two fights went the distance beating John Bauza in February 2023 and Zepeda in September by unanimous decision.
A more technically sound fighter than his opponent Hitchins has avoided getting hit with quick feet and counters with a sharp jab. He kept Zepeda off-balance all night scoring a decisive UD in his most recent fight. And you could argue that was one of if not the toughest opponent Hitchins has faced to date. Even though Zepeda was an upgrade in opposition, Hitchins entered as a -400 favorite, showing he’s reached the mainstream in the super lightweight class.
I was a little mystified by the long odds for Lemos. Sure it’s been 24 months since he last fought and the opposition at the regional levels wasn’t the most intimidating, but Lemos made the most of what was presented to him winning every fight. And he did so mostly in spectacular fashion. Even with his extended break Lemos is currently ranked No. 7 by the IBF in the 140-pound class, so I guess he’s done something right.
What he’s done is KO most of his opponents. Winning his first 13 pro fights got Lemos a date with Ruben Dario Lopes for the vacant IBF Latino super lightweight belt in 2018. He won the fight with a fourth round KO and totaled six fights during the year. Averaging six fights a year between 2016 and 2019 can take a toll on any pugilist. Lemos has been more efficient with his time lately winning each of his last nine fights
Bet Richardson Hitchins vs. Gustavo Daniel Lemos
This fight really is a contrast in styles. Hitchins is the more polished fighter willing to dance around the ring while avoiding damaging blows. Lemos is like a bull in a china shop often times throwing wild punches to see if anything lands. You almost have to believe the longer the fight goes Hitchins has the edge given his stamina to go the distance. However, lacking a knockout punch leaves you vulnerable the more time you spend in the ring. Lemos can take a blow and he certainly can dish them out with one of those wild punches more likely to land in later rounds. I back the favorite a majority of time in the ring but Lemos piques my interest as a strong dog.
Boxing Odds Pick: Gustavo Daniel Lemos / KO
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
Check out the latest odds at BookMaker
