The fight will serve as a voluntary defense for Hitchins, a choice that indicates trust rather than obligation. Duarte brings sustained pressure and experience from Robert Garcia’s camp, making him credible enough to test a champion without forcing a mandatory situation.
Why he thinks pressure wins
“I don’t think he can hang the 12 rounds with me,” said Duarte Xicana Boxing. “I’m going to be like a train, run over him and through him. I don’t think he can hold me for 12 rounds.”
Duarte dismissed the idea that Hitchins underestimated him. He said the champion understood exactly what kind of assignment he was taking on and could have gone in a different direction with an easier defense. Duarte credits Hitchins for the fight, but sees that pick as important given the kind of pressure he intends to bring.
Duarte recognized Hitchins as a capable, mobile operator, while insisting that these qualities are the most difficult to maintain once the pace is forced and the exchanges cease to be selective. His confidence rests on the belief that sustained pressure eventually erodes structure, especially when applied from the opening rounds.
That view may resonate with those who saw Hitchins forced into awkward stretches against Gustavo Lemos, when pressure briefly disrupted his usual command of distance.
Hitchins has built his title run on distance control and selective exchanges, making any opponent’s ability to sustain pressure over rounds a meaningful variable rather than a stylistic formality.
Looking beyond February, Duarte already has another name in mind. He said he expects Ryan Garcia to defeat Mario Barrios, and believes the outcome will put him in position to pursue a rematch.
“I seize the championship and I want to unite,” said Duarte. “I can jump to 147, no problem.”
That confidence is easy to express before the clock. The fight itself will show if Duarte’s pressure can push Hitchins into a pace he can’t manage for twelve rounds.
