Richardson Hitchins vs. Jose Zepeda odds, betting trends, predictions, expert picks for 2023 boxing fight
Matchroom Boxing is known to house talented prospects within its organization. In a stacked lightweight division, one rising star is looking to go from top prospect to the star attraction. Richardson Hitchins faces former contender Jose Zepeda on September 24.
The fight airs on DAZN and is in Caribe Royale in Orlando.
Hitchins (16-0) has seven wins via knockout after turning pro in 2017. The Brooklyn-born fighter was with Mayweather Promotions before signing with Matchroom. Just breaking in as a top contender within the IBF, Hearn sees something in the 25-year-old.
“I’m delighted to welcome Richardson to the team,” Hearn said via Ring. “There is no doubt in my mind that Richardson can become a World champion at 140lbs and beyond that.
“I want to keep Richardson busy, get him climbing the rankings, and he’ll soon be knocking on the door for those belts – and he can crash through the door and become a star.”
Competing in his second fight of 2023, Hitchins faces Zepeda (37-3), a three-time world title contender. After going 0-3 in title fight against some of the best in boxing, Zepeda is 2-1 in his past three bouts.
The Sporting News looks at the betting odds between the two and predicts the outcome.
Richardson Hitchins vs. Jose Zepeda betting odds
Per Bet MGM, Richardson Hitchins is the -350 favorite, while Jose Zepeda is the +275 underdog.
Betting trends for Richardson Hitchins vs. Jose Zepeda
- Hitchins via KO/TKO: +275
- Hitchins via decision: -154
- Zepeda via KO/TKO: +700
- Zepeda via decision: +800
- Draw: +1800
Richardson Hitchins vs. Jose Zepeda prediction, best bets
Zepeda has a lengthy resume with a +/- line of -2.4. He lands 12.8 punches per round on 52.9 thrown (24.2%.). His opponents land 9.8 per round. However, at 34, are his best days behind him?
In his last fight, Zepeda had a 218-44 advantage in total punches landed against Neeraj Goyat, who went the distance. It was a rebound performance after Regis Prograis knocked him out in the eleventh round of their championship fight. Zepeda landed only 35 of 232 shots that night and didn't throw double-digit power shots.
Against Jose Ramirez, Zepeda landed 149 of 601 shots, while Ramirez landed 200. He used solid footwork and a jab to hurt Ramirez, but the latter kept it inside the vest in the later rounds to halt any of his momentum.
Hitchins isn’t a championship-caliber fighter compared to Zepeda’s past opponents, but he can make a fight interesting.
In his last outing against John Bauza, Hitchins dropped him in the fourth round and continued to punish him throughout the bout. Hitchins used combinations and a few lefts that stunned Bauza. Against Yomar Alamo, it was a completely lopsided affair, with Hitchins using his long jab to neutralize his opponent.
Hitchins’ speed and volume may be too much for Zepeda to handle. As he grows, the former must face elite competition. Zepeda is the perfect opponent for him, one that can present a challenge that forces Hitchins to go the distance.
