George Kambosos Jr Reflects on Eighth-Round TKO Loss to Richardson Hitchins: "I’ve Fought the Best"

Austin Jones
Jun 15
4 min read

George Kambosos Jr Reflects on Eighth-Round TKO Loss to Richardson Hitchins: "I’ve Fought the Best"

George Kambosos Jr is no stranger to high-stakes, high-profile bouts. The Australian boxer, known for his gritty performances and iron will, recently faced off against Richardson Hitchins in a fight that ultimately ended in a crushing eighth-round TKO loss. This setback continues a tough stretch in his career, but Kambosos remains as determined as ever, reflecting on his career's journey and future.

In this article, we delve into Kambosos' recent loss to Hitchins, examine his career post-Teofimo Lopez, and discuss the tough decisions ahead for the 32-year-old fighter.

A Tough Loss, But Not a Defining One

Kambosos (22-4, 10 KOs) has had a rollercoaster of a career since his stunning victory over Teofimo Lopez in late 2021. Following that huge upset win, Kambosos was catapulted into the spotlight as one of the top names in the lightweight division. However, his recent form, with only two wins in his last six bouts, has raised questions about his future in the sport.

The loss to Richardson Hitchins was a brutal one, but it wasn’t a total surprise. Despite showing great heart and resilience, Kambosos couldn't avoid the punishing blows of a younger, more dynamic opponent. The eighth-round TKO was a reminder of the fine margins in elite boxing, where one well-placed punch can turn the tide.

The Fighter's Perspective: "I’ve Fought the Best"

Backstage, as Matchroom cameras caught up with Kambosos and his team, he remained calm and collected, reflecting on the fight with a mix of disappointment and pride. "Everything’s good, eyes are good. Just caught me with a nice shot," Kambosos shared with his team, a sign of his mental toughness even in the face of defeat.

But Kambosos isn’t one to shy away from reality. The loss may sting, but his perspective on the bigger picture is clear. "I’ve fought the best of them, top of the top. Back to back to back, constantly," Kambosos stated, reaffirming that he’s never ducked a challenge.

From his unforgettable win over Lopez to his subsequent encounters with the likes of Devin Haney, Kambosos has always been in the mix with the sport’s elite. While his recent record may be a far cry from his 2021 triumph, his courage to face top-tier fighters continues to be his defining feature.

A Familiar Punch Ends the Night: A Sign of the Times?

In the aftermath of the fight, Kambosos admitted that it was a familiar punch that sealed his fate. The recognition of the blow that ended the fight was a sobering realization for the fighter, who has spent his career learning to navigate such situations. The exact nature of the punch doesn’t diminish its impact; instead, it highlights the reality that even the best fighters can be undone by a well-timed strike.

This loss, while tough to swallow, isn’t Kambosos' first experience with defeat. However, there’s a sense of clarity in his words. The ability to identify the punch that ended the fight speaks volumes about Kambosos' experience and his level of awareness in the ring.

Is Retirement on the Horizon for Kambosos?

At 32, Kambosos is far from over the hill in terms of age, but his recent run of form has led many to wonder what comes next for the Australian star. With a career marked by tough battles and high-profile losses, Kambosos must now consider his options moving forward.

“I’ll take some time and figure out my next steps,” Kambosos remarked after the fight. “But I’m still young for this sport. There’s still money to be made.”

Despite the setbacks, Kambosos knows his value in the boxing world. There are still big paydays to be had, both in Australia, where he remains a fan favorite, and abroad, where his name carries weight as a credible and well-known opponent.

For Kambosos, retirement is far from imminent. There's a clear understanding that the sport has more to offer him, and with his championship pedigree, he’s always a threat to any opponent who stands across from him in the ring.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for George Kambosos Jr.?

As Kambosos takes time to reflect on his career and the next steps, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can rise again after this setback. Despite his struggles in recent years, Kambosos' willingness to face the toughest opponents and continue fighting speaks volumes about his character.

Whether he decides to take on another high-profile opponent or recalibrate his approach to the sport, Kambosos is not a fighter to be overlooked. His resilience and pride in having fought the best ensure that there’s still more to come from the Australian boxer.

The question remains: Will Kambosos make another run at a world title, or will his next steps be in a different direction? Whatever happens, his journey in boxing is far from over, and fans can expect more thrilling moments from a fighter who has already given them so much.