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LAS VEGAS (Feb. 1, 2024) – Matchroom Boxing brings undefeated contenders Richardson Hitchins and Diego Pacheco to Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Saturday, April 6. The double crunch header makes history as the resort’s inaugural sporting event at the BleauLive Theater.
“Hitchins-Pacheco will be historic as we celebrate a momentous new chapter in the Fontainebleau story,” says Fontainebleau Las Vegas Senior Vice President of Entertainment Fedor Banuchi. “This is the convergence of luxury, sports, and spectacle that Fontainebleau Las Vegas does best. It will be a night to remember.”
Brooklyn ace Hitchins (17-0, 7 KOs) is looking to take a step towards a first world title shot facing Argentina’s Gustavo Daniel Lemos (29-0, 19 KOs) for over 12 rounds in a final eliminator for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Super-Lightweight title.
Hitchins won his last fight at a canter, pitching a shutout against former world title challenger Jose Zepeda in Orlando in September. The 26-year-old, ranked No. 3 with the IBF, can place himself in pole position for a title crack by handing a first defeat to IBF No. 8 ranked Lemos, who fights outside Argentina for the first time in his career and enters the bout on a 10-fight streak of wins inside the distance stretching back to January 2019.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity,” says Hitchins. “I know Lemos is a strong, tough and undefeated fighter like me, so it’s gonna make for fireworks. I don’t see this one going the distance at all, and I will show why I’m an elite-level talent come April 6.”
“There are no words that can express my happiness at this moment,” adds Lemos. “It's the greatest opportunity of my life and I'm not going to let anyone take it away from me. With a lot of respect for my rival, when we get in the ring, I'm going to finish talking.”
Rising Super-Middleweight star Pacheco (20-0, 17 KOs) is looking to kick-off what promises to be a flagship year in his career by defending his USWBC and WBO International titles against Colorado’s unbeaten Shawn McCalman (15-0, 7 KOs) inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ BleauLive Theater.
Pacheco extended his KO streak to nine fights in his first headline turn on his Los Angeles home patch, dispatching Marcelo Coceres in the ninth round of their November clash. Pacheco is sitting pretty across the board in the rankings; No. 2 with the WBO, No. 4 with the WBC and IBF, and No. 7 with the WBA, and those lofty perches will be all the motivation McCalman needs as he steps up for the biggest fight of his career to date and his first over 12 rounds.
“I’m excited to be back in Las Vegas and thankful for this opportunity I will do my very best for my people,” says Pacheco. “I think that 2024 is going to be such a massive year for me with so many exciting fights out there at 168lbs, and it all starts on April 6.”
“I’d like to first and foremost thank my team for getting this big fight made,” adds McCalman. “I look forward to the challenge presented in facing and defeating another undefeated fighter. These are the type of fights that help to mold and define a fighter's legacy.
“We will have an answer for any and everything my opponent brings to the table. We’re looking forward to making a statement and showing the world who Shawn McCalman is. Tune in on April 6. There’s a new kid on the block.”
The Hitchins-Pacheco doubleheader is the first boxing event to be staged at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the 67-story luxury resort and casino created by Fontainebleau Development. Celebrated for its opulent accommodations, world-class amenities, and commitment to unparalleled luxury hospitality experiences, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is quickly establishing itself as a destination for sports and entertainment on the Strip.
“This is such an important night for two of the most talented fighters in the States,” says promoter Eddie Hearn. “Richardson is right there now, on the cusp of world title action and the 140lb division will be paying close attention to him on April 6, so he will be looking to send a warning.
“Diego just continues to impress every time he steps through the ropes. His KO win in November just added to his already scintillating showreel of destructive power and precision, and with the Super-Middleweight landscape beginning to look very exciting, we believe this young man is going to be one of the major players at 168lbs for a very long time.
“We’re honored to be the first promoters to hold an event at the magnificent Fontainebleau Las Vegas and we look forward to an explosive night of action on April 6.”
Tickets go on-sale online at 10 a.m. PT online. For more information on upcoming Fontainebleau Las Vegas events, concerts and accommodations, please visit https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/.
About Matchroom Boxing
Matchroom Boxing is the world’s leading boxing promotional outfit putting on major stadium and arena shows across the globe. Headed up by boxing supremo Eddie Hearn, Matchroom has been among the world leaders in major boxing promotion and production for over a quarter of a century since its launch in 1987. With an unrivalled stable of world-class fighters, Matchroom’s unique expertise in promotion, staging and television productions cements its position as the No.1 promoter in the sport.
About Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a 67-story, vertically integrated luxury resort. Rooted in the 70-year history of the iconic Fontainebleau brand, Fontainebleau Las Vegas brings a legacy of timeless elegance and unparalleled service to the Strip. The resort’s thoughtful design allows guests to move effortlessly among 3,644 luxury hotel rooms and suites, 550,000 square feet of customizable meeting and convention space, 150,000 square feet of gaming space, a collection of world-class restaurants and shops, exquisite pools, vibrant nightlife, and vitality-enhancing spa and wellness offerings. Located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., adjacent to the acclaimed Las Vegas Convention Center expansion, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is created by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments.
