After defeating Argentina’s hard-hitting Gustavo Lemos in the IBF light welterweight title eliminator via a unanimous decision, Richardson Hitchins is a step closer to a world title shot at super lightweight. However, the victory was not without its share of controversy. After 12 rounds, one judge scored the fight 117–111 while two others scored it 115–113, all in favor of Hitchins. The wide margin of Judge Tim Cheatham’s 117-111 scorecard raised more than a few eyebrows, as many felt this score did not accurately reflect the competitive nature of the fight. Among those questioning the lopsided outcome was Milwaukee Bucks’ point guard Damian Lillard.

Lillard took to X to express his frustrations, tweeting, “These judges crazy man. Lol.” Hitchins immediately fired back, stating, “The right man won numbers don’t lie my guy.” The back and forth did not stop there, as Lillard countered, “117-111 I didn’t see that. I was rooting for you to win the fight but I had it 115-113 the other way. And im not a casual.”

And Lillard is right; he is no casual fan. A look into his social media activity, where he frequently shares predictions and live reactions to boxing bouts, proves as much. This fascination with boxing began in his childhood, shaping his love for the sweet science.

Damian Lillard’s passion for the sweet science

Lillard’s passion for boxing runs deep, thanks in large part to his family. Growing up, they would gather to watch major fights, with his parents even hosting viewing parties for iconic bouts like Oscar De La Hoya versus Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker in 1997. While Lillard ultimately found his calling on the basketball court, he stayed connected with the sweet science by reading online coverage, a routine he maintains to this day. And then his love for boxing slowly made its way to his workouts.

During the offseason, Lillard’s day kicks off as early as 7 a.m. with intense lifting and conditioning sessions. But it’s when he laces up his boxing gloves that things really get interesting. He dives into eight to 10 three-minute rounds on the mitts, honing his technique with a focus on throwing proper jabs, combination punching, operating at different angles, and moving his feet. However, once basketball season rolls around, he puts the gloves away to avoid the risk of injury. Perhaps one day, we’ll even get to see him step into a boxing ring. But right now, his immediate focus is on getting a ring first.

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