From Brooklyn to the big time: Hitchins returns home to Cops & Kids ahead of MSG headliner

IBF Super Lightweight Champion Richardson Hitchins made an emotional return to his roots this week, as Matchroom in the Community teamed up with NYC Cops & Kids Boxing and USA Boxing Metro for a special youth-focused event in Brooklyn, New York.

Held at the very gym where Hitchins first laced up gloves as a young amateur, the event brought together over 80 aspiring boxers from across the five boroughs – all eager to meet the man who once stood exactly where they do now.

Joined by his former coach and mentor Pat Russo, Hitchins spoke passionately about the importance of community, the value of self-belief and the dedication it takes to rise to the top of the sport.

His words, grounded in experience, resonated deeply with the young athletes watching on – many of whom train at Cops & Kids or are connected to other USA Boxing Metro clubs.

“There were days when I didn’t believe in myself. Days when everybody else believed in me – and I didn’t believe in me, but I still kept going,” said Hitchins.

“I never knew I’d be world champion. I never knew I’d be here in the sport of boxing, but I always kept dreaming. I always kept striving – and this is what I wanted to tell all the young kids here that are looking to be something bigger than what you are now. Don’t stop, because nothing in life is going to come easy to you – nothing,” he continued.

“My life is completely different from the kid that was in his boxing gym four or five years ago. Two, three years ago – but that dream started over 15 years ago of hard work, constant grind, constantly bothering Pat, constantly giving him trouble, constantly giving Sosa trouble… My coach Lenny, coach Benny, all these guys believed in me since I was a young kid.”

Adding to the homecoming atmosphere, Hitchins was joined by fellow Cops & Kids alumni and rising welterweight contender Pablo Valdez, who features in a standout bout against Cesar Diaz on this Saturday’s stacked Madison Square Garden undercard.

Also set for action on the night are Cuban sensation Andy Cruz in an IBF World Lightweight Title eliminator, rising Australian heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana, top US prospect and Newark native Zaquin Moses, Indian Olympic standout Nishant Dev, and the highly anticipated professional debut of 18-year-old Adam Maca.

The NYC Cops & Kids Boxing Programme is a free, community-driven initiative founded and led by NYPD officers, designed to offer young people aged 12–21 a positive alternative to street life through boxing, fitness and mentorship.

Operating at three locations in Brooklyn and Staten Island, with a brand new, state-of-the-art facility – Bronx Legends – almost set to open, the programme is supported by USA Boxing certified coaches and volunteer officers committed to keeping youth engaged, safe and focused.

Alongside the boxing ring and fitness equipment, each location includes tutoring areas where participants are encouraged to excel academically.

Since its rebirth in 2009 under retired NYPD Sergeant Pat Russo – with support from entities like the Theodore Atlas Foundation, NYCHA, UFC, New York Giants and Everlast – the programme has grown to serve approximately 200 youths per gym, with daily attendance between 40–50 teens.

It’s more than a gym – it’s a platform for mentorship, community policing and opportunity: many former participants have gone on to careers as police officers, firefighters and even Olympic and professional boxers.

Pat Russo, Founder of NYC Cops & Kids Boxing and long-time mentor to Richardson Hitchins, spoke with pride about the homecoming event and the impact it had on everyone involved.

“It was incredible to see Richardson walk back through these doors – not just as a world champion, but as a grounded, respectful young man who hasn’t forgotten where he came from,” said Russo.

“The kids looked up to him before, but now they truly believe they can follow in his footsteps,” he continued.

“Support from Matchroom means a lot. It shows these gyms – and the communities they serve – that their work matters. It’s how we keep the sport alive at its roots and keep kids on the right path.”

A number of young people present were welcomed through a partnership with the Garden of Dreams Foundation and SCO Family of Services, who work together to create life-changing experiences for young New Yorkers from under-resourced communities.

For many, this was their first time stepping into a boxing gym – and for all, the experience offered an inspiring look at what’s possible with hard work and determination.

The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organisation that works to bring life-changing opportunities to young people facing adversity across the New York metropolitan area.

Whether it’s through illness, homelessness, poverty or the challenges of foster care, Garden of Dreams aims to uplift those most in need by providing access to education, mentorship, professional development and unforgettable experiences.

Partnering with MSG Entertainment, MSG Sports and Sphere Entertainment, the Foundation has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives through its core programming pillars: Education, Inspiration and Community.

Sport plays a powerful role in the Foundation’s work, offering young people the chance to build confidence, develop skills and feel a sense of belonging. From hockey and basketball to boxing and more, Garden of Dreams connects youth with the athletes they admire most through clinics, Q&As, careers talks and ticketed access to major events.

Since its inception, the Foundation has delivered over 250,000 ‘Moments of Joy’, from Madison Square Garden to local gyms – moments that remind young people their future is full of possibility, and with the right support, anything is achievable.

As a surprise highlight, every attendee received tickets to attend Saturday night’s blockbuster event at Madison Square Garden, where Hitchins defends his world title against former Undisputed Lightweight Champion George Kambosos Jr.

For two lucky winners of the now customary Matchroom press-up competition, the rewards were even greater – with Richardson granting backstage dressing room access to watch the final moments of preparation before the biggest fight of his career.

Reflecting on the impact of the visit and the broader goals of Matchroom’s community work in the USA, Head of Community Development, Alex Le Guével, highlighted the importance of championing local gyms and meaningful partnerships.

“Events like this are at the heart of what we’re building with Matchroom in the Community,” explained Le Guével.

“Our footprint in grassroots boxing across America is growing quickly, and visits like these not only inspire the next generation, but also provide vital support to the gyms that shape them,” he continued.

“Having champions like Richardson return to where it all started shows young people the power of staying connected to your roots. When we collaborate with local charities and foundations, it brings even greater depth and reach to what we do — ensuring these moments have real, lasting impact.”

The event served as a powerful reminder of the transformative role that positive role models and strong community ties play in shaping the lives of young people – both inside and outside the ring.

Seeing someone like Richardson Hitchins, who once trained on the same canvas and under the same lights, now returning as a world champion, offered a living, breathing example of what’s possible with focus, resilience and self-belief. His presence reinforced the message that success doesn’t require turning your back on where you came from, but rather embracing it as part of your strength.

For the young athletes in attendance, many of whom face significant barriers in their day-to-day lives, the event offered more than just inspiration – it provided real connection, tangible opportunity and a sense of belonging within the sport. With the backing of trusted local partners and respected champions, it became a moment where dreams felt closer, where potential was recognised – and where a clear path forward could begin to take shape.

To support the new NYC Cops & Kids facility in South Bronx – Bronx Legends Boxing Academy – you can make a donation.

Your contribution will help to build and run a free boxing gym for local underserved youth – funding equipment, renovations and experienced coaches who provide training and mentorship.