Barrios vs Garcia update: Richardson Hitchins out of title fight with Oscar Duarte

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 20: IBF super lightweight champion Richardson Hitchins poses during a ceremonial weigh-in at T-Mobile Arena on February 20, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hitchins is scheduled to defend his title against Oscar Duarte on February 21. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Richardson Hitchins will not be defending his IBF super lightweight title tonight on the Barrios vs Garcia undercard, with an illness pulling him out of the contest.

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Hitchins was set to defend against Oscar Duarte in the night’s final undercard bout. The show, of course, will go on, and now Gary Russell Jr vs Andy Hiraoka — for Russell’s WBA strap at 140 lbs — will be bumped into that slot.

The Ring, who are promoting the event, put out the news just a bit ago.

Hitchins (20-0, 8 KO) last defended the title against George Kambosos Jr in June 2025, winning via eighth round TKO. Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KO) was set for his first world title shot tonight, and obviously there’s no time to find a replacement opponent and keep him on the card. He last fought in August, winning a close majority decision over Kenneth Sims Jr, and will hope to get this chance rescheduled.

We’ll still be here starting from 8 pm ET with live updates and results during the entire Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia card!

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