What’s Next For Richardson Hitchins?

Richardson Hitchins defeated George Kambosos Jr. to retain his IBF Junior Welterweight Title as we look at his next steps.

It was the first successful defense of his belt, which he picked up against Liam Paro. Hitchins has now defeated two of the biggest Australian boxers, as he could target a unification. A fight against the WBO Junior Welterweight Champion Teofimo Lopez could happen next. Lopez is coming off a win against Arnold Barboza Jr. as he retained his WBO belt. Lopez has been linked with a fight against Jaron Ennis, the WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine Welterweight Champion. However, Eddie Hearn has said Ennis will move up to 154 pounds, ruling that fight out, making a Teo-Hitchins fight possible. 

Hitchins can also target a fight with Devin Haney. The latter beat Jose Ramirez in his last fight, which was his first bout at 147. Haney has already won a belt at 140, having been the WBC Junior Welterweight Champion. After Hitchins made weight for his Kambosos fight, there were suggestions he looked drained. Haney expressed those sentiments, telling Hitchins to meet him for a fight at 147. Hitchins called him out after his Kambosos win.

Equally, Hitchins could unify against the other champion in the division such as Gary Antuanne Russell. Russell has an 18-1-0 record, with 17 knockouts to his name. His only loss came against the WBC Junior Welterweight Champion Alberto Puello. Russell bounced back from that loss by defeating Jose Valenzuela in his last fight. Hitchins must now decide if his future is at 140 or 147.