Richardson Hitchins is still unbeaten, but the New York fighter was pushed all the way against Gustavo Lemos.
The Argentine underdog had been expected to provide Hitchins with a tough fight, but there were some who thought he’d done enough to grab the win after he gave Hitchins plenty of problems.
Hitchins was declared the victor at the end, but a 117-111 verdict in his favour has caused plenty of anger.
Hitchins could be in the frame to fight for a world title next, but Eddie Hearn, his promoter, has called on his man to improve.
“If Richardson performs like that against [Subriel] Matias, he ain’t going to beat him,” said Hearn when speaking to Matchroom Boxing.
“But he’s been through those horrible moments, and he can recall that when it gets tough again.
“Although people will moan, particularly about the 117-111 card, they’ll appreciate the guts and nuts that Hitchins showed in there tonight. He was entertaining, which is what everybody wants.”
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