NEW YORK — Eddie Hearn knew how good Richardson Hitchins was. The world is just now catching on.

In 2021, Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) screamed and shouted to the masses that he could fight. In 2022, Hearn handed him a megaphone and a platform and allowed him to shine.

Six fights later, and the New York native made sure he took advantage. He’s now the proud owner of the IBF 140-pound title and is fresh off a one-sided beatdown of George Kambosos Jr.

Hitchins was magical Saturday night. He hit Kambosos whenever he wanted and roughed him up on the inside.

Hearn doesn’t like hyperbole. Hitchins is his guy, but he's not ready to mention his name in the same breath as Shakur Stevenson, Jaron Ennis or Terence Crawford.

“Not yet no,” Hearn told The Ring when asked if Hitchins should be on everyone’s pound-for-pound list. “But he has pound-for-pound ability. I think that’s for sure.”

Kambosos, with a black eye and busted nose, would agree with Hearn. The former unified lightweight champ couldn’t find an ounce of success, leading to an eighth-round stoppage loss.

Circumstances, largely, play a role in how certain fighters look and perform. And while Hitchins is the goods, Hearn believes that Kambosos did his part in making him look otherworldly.

“I think Kambosos was the perfect opponent at the perfect venue.”