Richardson Hitchins Should Prioritize Facing Devin Haney Next
Two potential fights are front and center in the mind of newly crowned IBF junior welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs). One is two-division champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs, 1NC). The other is a unification showdown with the reigning WBO champion, Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez. If Team Hitchins is smart, they would seek a fight with Haney.
The Brooklyn, New York native won the IBF title with a split decision victory over Liam Paro on December 7 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. After fighting cautiously in the opening rounds, Hitchins asserted himself, using his sharp left jabs, sharp right hands, and timely counterpunching to dictate the pace and control the action.
Hitchins said his dance card is open to anyone in the division during a post-fight interview with the boxing press. The junior welterweight champion said the following about a fight with The Dream:
“Haney said that if I get a belt, he’ll fight me. So, let’s do it! […] It’s time to secure my legacy, secure my family’s legacy, and make the biggest fights in boxing.”
One can understand why Hitchins would love to face Lopez. It would be an opportunity to become a unified champion. However, Lopez doesn’t seem keenly interested. Instead, The Takeover seems more focused on moving up to 147 for a possible match with IBF welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
TIME TO SETTLE THEIR DIFFERENCES
Given that reality, Haney would be a natural matchup. They’ve sparred one another and are far from friends. Hitchins has previously disrespected Haney and has promised to give him a beating if they ever fight.
The Dream is still licking his wounds from his no-contest against Ryan Garcia in April 2024. However, Haney is still one of the most talked-about and highly-publicized figures in boxing. That means that he puts butts in seats, whether you like or loathe him.
Hitchin’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has a vision of making the IBF champion the face of boxing in New York City. A good start to that goal would be to stage a Hitchins title defense against Haney at either the MSG Theater or Barclays Center in 2025.
Haney would get an opportunity to restore his reputation. Hitchins gets the chance to beat a high-profile fighter, raise his stock, and secure his legacy. It’s a fight that makes all the sense in the world.
Be the first to comment