“Shut the (expletive) up, (expletive),” Duarte said.
Duarte switched between languages earlier in the press conference. He chose English at that moment so that the message landed directly. Hitchins responded immediately.
“This (stuff) is not funny,” Hitchins said. “I promise I’m going to beat the crap out of you.”
The tone changes after that exchange. Hitchins raises his voice. His answers came faster. The usual calm delivery gave way to irritation.
“What the (expletive)? What do you think?” Hitchins said. “I’m going to beat the (expletive) out of you.”
Duarte openly dismissed Hitchins’ position as champion. He called him “basic” and showed no hesitation in repeating it in front of him. Duarte believes his pressure will expose weaknesses once the fight starts.
“I definitely think they underestimate me, but that’s on them,” Duarte said. “I know what I bring to the ring. I’m hungry and want that world title.”
Hitchins dismissed criticism of his punching power, an issue that continues to follow him despite winning the title. He made it clear he expected Duarte to fall short like previous opponents.
“With 20-0 and eight knockouts, people don’t think I have the power,” Hitchins said. “I’ve never been down in my entire career. He’s not going to be the guy to do that.”
Duarte did not return his approach. He intends to move forward from the opening bell. His style depends on closing distance and forcing opponents to fight in tight quarters.
“I’m definitely going to apply pressure and come at this guy like a train,” Duarte said.
What separated this exchange from typical pre-fight talk was Duarte’s decision to switch languages at the exact moment of confrontation. He wanted Hitchins to hear the insult directly.
It removed distance. It made the fight feel closer.
