Richardson Hitchins Calls Out Lamont Roach Jr. for Junior Welterweight Title Fight

Hitchins (20–0, 8 KOs) had been angling for a unification bout with WBO titleholder Teofimo Lopez, but negotiations failed to materialize. Meanwhile, Roach was anticipating a rematch with Gervonta “Tank” Davis after their thrilling March 1 draw at Barclays Center, only to watch Davis pivot to a lucrative exhibition with Jake Paul on Nov. 14.

Seeing an opportunity, Hitchins issued the challenge directly on X:

“Ain’t no big fights out there for you. And cause the fights we wanted fell through, I respect you as a fighter and believe you deserve another big fight. Let’s run it for my 140 title.”

Hitchins’ Momentum

The 27-year-old Brooklyn native is riding high after his emphatic knockout of George Kambosos in June at Madison Square Garden. That eighth-round finish not only vaulted him into the spotlight but also solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters at 140 pounds. Eager to capitalize on that momentum, Hitchins is searching for another marquee opponent to cement his place among the division’s elite.

Roach’s Rise in Profile

Roach (25–1–2, 10 KOs), the reigning WBA super featherweight champion, earned massive respect by taking Davis to a majority draw in March. The 30-year-old Maryland native fought on even terms with one of the sport’s biggest stars, proving he could compete at the highest level. Though undersized at both lightweight and junior welterweight, Roach has embraced challenges against bigger opponents and has even expressed interest in moving up again.

Why This Fight Makes Sense

The matchup would pit Hitchins’ rangy, technical style against Roach’s crafty boxing and proven durability. While Roach would give up natural size against the bigger Hitchins, that hasn’t deterred him in the past. For Hitchins, Roach represents both a credible name and a fighter with growing star power, thanks to his performance against Davis.

For Roach, the fight offers another shot at a world title in a higher division, as well as the chance to maintain his momentum while Davis explores crossover bouts.

What’s Next?

No official talks have been reported, but with both fighters eager to stay active and in need of big fights, Hitchins vs. Roach could be one of the most intriguing matchups of early 2026.