Richardson Hitchins Faces IBF Deadline At 140

Boxing News

by Tom Galm

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Richardson Hitchins finds himself at a pivotal moment in his boxing career as he approaches an IBF deadline to secure a title defense. The situation arose after Lindolfo Delgado withdrew from their scheduled fight, forcing the IBF to mandate a new opponent for Hitchins. This development has reshaped the 140-pound division's landscape, placing pressure on Hitchins to act swiftly to preserve his championship. Delgado's withdrawal was due to medical reasons, leaving the IBF with no choice but to issue a mandatory fight order. The deadline requires Hitchins to identify a new opponent within a specified timeframe, failing which he risks losing his title. This scenario underscores the challenges fighters face when circumstances beyond their control disrupt well-prepared plans. The IBF's decision highlights its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its rankings and ensuring contenders have opportunities to challenge for titles. This situation is significant for boxing fans

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Originally published on Boxing News on 2/25/2026