Benn Dominates On His Comeback, Hitchins Eases Past Zepeda
Conor Benn marked his return to the ring following his two failed VADA tests with a unanimous-decision win over Rodolfo Orozco on the Richardson Hitchins vs Jose Zepeda card.
There were questions over whether Benn should be fighting at all. Despite having his suspension uplifted from the National Anti-Doping Agency, UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control have appealed it. So when it came to the fight, all eyes were on Benn’s performance.
The bout began quickly as the Brit landed numerous right hands which were taken well by Orozco. It was the same theme in the second round as the Mexican’s face showed signs of bruising and bleeding. The third round was particularly impressive for Benn as he hurt Orozco with a right uppercut. However, the latter continued to come forward and did not wilt under the pressure.
.@ConorNigel coming out 💪 in round one. #HitchensZepeda pic.twitter.com/cpv7FbboAk
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) September 24, 2023
At the halfway stage, Orozco increased his work rate in an attempt to put the pressure on Benn. Although he had moments of success, it was ultimately to no avail. As the fight entered the championship rounds, Benn landed but failed to stop his opponent as the bout went to the scorecards: 99-91, 99-91, 96-94.
CONOR BENN POST FIGHT INTERVIEW AFTER UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN!#BennOrozco #Boxing pic.twitter.com/5QqqbpO8M4
— Muhammad Zain (@MCFCZain_) September 24, 2023
Hitchins Vs. Zepeda
As for the main event, Richardson Hitchins coasted to a unanimous-decision victory over Jose Zepeda. Hitchins dominated the fight as he picked Zepeda apart with his jab. The latter struggled to read it as Hitchins pressed ahead in the first half of the fight. As the fight entered the middle rounds, a clash of heads between the two resulted in a cut on Zepeda’s head. Hitchins’ attempted to stop Zepeda with his increased work rate. However, the latter made it to the bell as the fight went to the judges: 120-108, 120-108 and 119-109.
.@HeIsRichardson is clicking on all cyclinders.#HitchinsZepeda pic.twitter.com/sOi5h16GuF
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) September 24, 2023
Full Card Results
Richardson Hitchins def. Jose Zepeda via a unanimous decision: 120-108, 120-108 & 119-109
Conor Benn def. Rodolfo Orozco via a unanimous decision: 99-91, 99-91 & 96-94
Sandy Ryan and Jessica McCaskill ends in split draw: 96-94, 97-93 & 95-95
Austin Williams def. Steve Rolls via a unanimous decision: 97-93, 97-93 & 97-93
Orestes Velazquez def. Mohamed Soumaoro via an eighth round TKO
Khalil Coe def. Kenmon Evans via a second-round TKO
Jasmine Artiga def. Haley Pasion via a unanimous decision: 80-71, 80-71 & 80-71