Hitchins Wants Haney Vs. Norman Jr. Winner – Is It Realistic?

“Brian Norman to fight me after Devin Haney. I’m willing to go up to 147. In my first fight [at welterweight], I’ll go up and challenge the winner of Devin Haney and Brian Norman for the WBO world championship. Brian Norman’s dad has been bickering, saying he wants to fight me next. In a few months, if I’m available and Brian Norman is available, let’s make the fight happen. I don’t see why. Me and Brian Norman already boxed before in the gym. So we’re familiar with each other. So, I think it would be good to do it for a real championship,” Hitchins said

The Match-Up

A fight between Hitchins and Haney would likely be a technical chess match. Both fighters are fundamentally sound, relying on ring generalship and tight defense. Against Haney, Hitchins would employ a jab to control the distance and timing, aiming to disrupt Haney’s rhythm. Haney would attempt to counter Hitchins’ pressure by using his superior footwork to circle away and pivot, exploiting openings with quick, short combinations. The critical factor in this matchup would be ring generalship and activity: the fighter who can maintain a higher volume of accurate punches would win.

In contrast, Norman Jr. is known for his aggressive pressure and punishing combinations. Norman Jr.’s primary weapon is the uppercut, which he utilizes masterfully in close quarters, as seen in his knockout victories over fighters like Giovani Santillan. Hitchins’ tactical blueprint would be to utilize his defensive shell and movement to neutralize Norman Jr.’s forward momentum and avoid engaging in a brawl. Hitchins’ superior reach (74.5 inches) and commitment to the jab would be essential for keeping the power-puncher on the outside.