Richardson Hitchins (19-0) puts his IBF super lightweight title on the line in his home town when he faces George Kambosos (22-3) this weekend at New York City's Madison Square Garden Theater.
The 27-year-old Brooklyn native defeated Australia's Liam Paro in December to capture the title, and he'll be looking to take down another Aussie in his first defence.
For Kambosos, who turns 32 on fight day, the Big Apple and MSG has proved a happy hunting ground - in 2019, he defeated former world champion Mickey Bey at the venue, while he returned two years later to claim his biggest victory, a win over Teofimo Lopez which saw him crowned unified lightweight champion.
Can Hitchins get past Kambosos and begin chasing unification fights or will the Sydneysider become a two-division world champion? Let's take a look at the latest betting odds and TSN's expert predictions.
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Richardson Hitchins vs. George Kambosos odds and betting markets
Per Parimatch, the champion is a hot favourite at 1.15, while Kambosos is a wide underdog at 6.98. The draw is priced at 14.93.
Odds correct at time of publish but subject to change.
Hitchins vs. Kambosos top markets
| Hitchins | Kambosos | |
| KO/TKO | 3.25 | 13 |
| Points | 1.45 | 18.39 |
Hitchins vs. Kambosos round betting
| Round | Odds (Click to bet) |
| 1 | 18.55 |
| 2 | 15.61 |
| 3 | 13.43 |
| 4 | 10.92 |
| 5 | 9.52 |
| 6 | 8.63 |
| 7 | 7.69 |
| 8 | 7.03 |
| 9 | 6.70 |
| 10 | 7.36 |
| 11 | 8.01 |
| 12 | 9.52 |
Hitchins vs. Kambosos fight prediction
Last time out, we saw Hitchins turn in a slick boxing performance to overcome Paro.
The challenger was his typically watchful self through the early stages but worked into the fight well, with his right hand becoming a factor as Paro got more aggressive down the stretch.
Hitchins' strengths of fighting at range were on full display and we expect it to be a similar story against Kambosos, who will be giving away eight inches (15cm) in reach.
While the Aussie is only fighting for the second time at 140-pounds, he does have plenty of exposed form against a longer opponent who is prefers to box on the outside.
Kambosos fought 24 rounds against Devin Haney and was well beaten on both occasions, despite going the distance.
The Australian's best performances have come on the back of sharp counter punching and a high pace, two things Hitchins will be keen to avoid this one.
Can Kambosos bait Hitchins into abandoning his strengths and brawling with him? Unlikely.
Kambosos is considered a fast starter, while the opposite can be said for Hitchins, so the challenger may pick up a few early rounds, but we expect the New Yorker to find his rhythm and range and get the job done via decision.