Split-T Management’s John Bauza Takes on Richardson Hitchins in Grudge Match at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 4, 2023)–TONIGHT at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, undefeated super lightweight John Bauza takes on fellow undefeated Richardson Hitchins in a 10-round bout for the IBF North American Super Lightweight Title.

Bauza is managed by Split-T Management.

The bout can be seen Live on DAZN at 8 PM ET.

To say that the lead-up to the fight has been contentious is an understatement.

The former sparring partners engaged in a 20-minute heated debate at Thursday’s press conference that was filled with confident bold predictions and profane smack talk.

“First of all, I want to say thank you for this opportunity to be here. All I have to say is that I work hard. There was a lot of back and forth, but we got the fight, and we’re ready,” said Bauza. “We’re ready for everybody. We already proved that in the amateurs. He [Hitchins] knows who I am; I sparred him before. I come from the same group as them, all of them. They know who I am too, so we’re ready for everybody. I’m ready for it.”

Bauza of North Bergen, New Jersey via Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico is 17-0 with seven knockouts. The 24 year-old Bauza is a seven year-pro who has defeated the likes of Larry Fryers (11-2), Christian Edwards (12-2), Michael Williams Jr. (19-0) and his last bout when he took an eight-round unanimous decision over Tony Luis (29-4) on March 19, 2022 at Madison Square Garden.

Hitchins of New York is 15-0 with seven knockouts. The 25 year-old Hitchins is a six-year pro and has defeated Mario Alberto Perez Navarro (1-0, Alejandro Munera (4-1-3), Kevin Johnson (7-1), Nicholas DeLomba (16-2), former world champion Argenis Mendez (25-5-3), Malik Hawkins (18-1) and his last bout when he stopped Yomar Alamo (20-1-1) on November 12, 2022 in Cleveland.

Bauza was 139 lbs. at Friday’s weigh in. Hitchins was 139.6 lbs.