Richardson Hitchins says he would like to defend his IBF light welterweight title for the first time against Devin Haney next. Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) feels that a fight between him and Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) would have a big impact on the PPV because of the chaos caused by the people involved and his father, Bill Haney boxing fans would be interested.
Last Saturday, Hitchins dethroned IBF 140-pound champion Liam Paro (25-1, 15 KOs), beating him by a 12-round split decision on December 7 at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The clue
Hitchins says Haney has told him in the past that he would fight him if he got his hands on a world title. Now that he has a belt, he wants Haney to back up his statement. However, Devin’s father Bill announced today that he will be taking a year off and won’t be back in action for a while. He says Devin wants to rest.
It’s been seven months since his 12-round loss to Ryan Garcia on April 20, and it’s expected he will sit out and wait for his one suspension to run out before fighting him. Haney isn’t taking any chances by staying busy and potentially getting hit. That would doom him heading into the rematch with Garcia.
Hitchins needs to look in a different direction because Haney will NOT fight him. If he gets the washed George Kambosos, it wouldn’t be a bad fight. The little “Kaiser” has not done anything since his surprising victory over Teofimo Lopez in 2021 and is considered a one-hit wonder. However, he can still talk about his fights and his Australian fans still follow him.
“I like Devin Haney. I think that would be a huge PPV fight. I think the numbers would be good because there would be so many people involved,” Richardson Hitchins said Fight hype about wanting to fight Devin Haney next.
“I talk a lot of shit, and Devin’s dad (Bill Haney) talks a lot of shit. I feel like I’m the better fighter. Before I became champion, Devin said to me, “First get a belt, then we can fight.” Well, now I have a belt. Why not fight a world champion? If he wants to stay at 140, why doesn’t he fight me?
“Let’s have a big fight. However, from a business perspective. This fight would make more sense in another fight or two, but I’m ready to do it now. I want it to be as big as possible. I am already a world champion and he has celebrated success at the highest level in this sport.
“Now that I’m world champion, I can bring something to the table to build a fight. If that wasn’t the case, a unification with (WBA light welterweight champion Jose), Rayo (Valenzuela), Teofimo or any of the other champions would be a great fight.
“George Kambosos is a big name and someone who talks shit. We will sell the fight. If they can do it, then it is what it is,” Hitchins said.
