Hitchins must prove generational claims against Oscar Duarte

The Brooklyn native claims he will meet that aggression up front and give Duarte the war he is looking for. Saying it is the easy part. Doing so is where things get tricky.

Duarte is a different animal than George Kambosos Jr., who beat Hitchins last year. He is stronger, carries more power and is willing to take two shots just to get one big corner. It’s a style Hitchins knows well. Gustavo Lemos brought the same heat in 2024, pushing Hitchins to the absolute limit in a split decision that fans still argue over today.

“Osar Duarte is going to be tough. He’s a crazy man. So, he’s going to come fight. So, I’m going to give him what he’s looking for. It’s going to be a fun night of boxing,” Hitchins said Battle hype when the defense is discussed.

Hitchins Must Back Up The Talk Against Oscar Duarte

No one ever questions Hitchins’ skill. The real question is what happens if that skill can’t create enough distance. Against Lemos, he could never quite escape the pressure, and the fight remained uncomfortably close until the final bell.

We saw the same story unfold in December 2024. Hitchins beat Liam Paro by split decision to grab the IBF belt, but it was another night where he couldn’t quite separate himself from the pack.

Duarte sits atop the IBF rankings, and he’s not fazed by a tight jab. For a champion who already faces many critics, another small victory will not silence anyone.

Hitchins calls this fight a gift to the fans. He calls Duarte a “mad man” and promises a night of action instead of a tactical chess match. It’s a risky move if he wants to prove he’s levels above the rest of the division.

This defense is not just about retaining the belt. It’s about answering the doubts that started with Lemos and followed him through the Paro fight. A dominating win finally backs up the talk. Anything less suggests that his reputation continues to precede his results.