Hitchins uses title to leverage Haney Fight

Richardson Hitchins says he would like to make his first defense of his IBF light welterweight title against Devin Haney. Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) believes a fight between him and Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) would do big PPV numbers because of the people involved and his father, Bill Haney, talks a lot of mess to get – it interested boxing fans.

Last Saturday, Hitchins dethroned IBF 140-pound champion Liam Paro (25-1, 15 KOs), beating him by a 12-round split decision on Dec. 7 at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Call

Hitchins says Haney told him in the past that if he got a world title, he would fight him. Now that he has a belt, he wants Haney to back up what he said. However, Devin’s father Bill revealed 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 majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia on April 20, and it’s believed he’ll sit back and wait until his one suspension ends before fighting him. Haney doesn’t take chances by staying busy and potentially getting hit. That would ruin things for him in terms of the rematch with Garcia.

Hitchins will have to look the other way because Haney will NOT fight him. If he can get the washed up George Kambosos, it wouldn’t be a bad fight. The little “Emperor” hasn’t done anything since his upset win over Teofimo Lopez in 2021 and looks like a one-hit wonder. However, he can still talk about his fights and his Aussie fans still follow him.

“I like Devin Haney. I think it would be a great PPV fight. I think the numbers would be good because there would be a lot of people involved,” said Richardson Hitchins Fighthype 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 best fighter. Before I was champion, Devin told me, ‘Get a belt first and then we can fight.'” Well, I have a belt now. Why not fight a world champion? If he’s going to stay at 140, why not fight me?

“We put on a great fight. On a business note, though. This fight would make more sense in one or two fights, but I’m ready to do it now. I want it to be as big as it can be. I’m already a world champion, and tasted success at the highest level in terms of sport.

“Now that I’m world champion, I have something on the table to build a fight. If not, 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’re going to sell the fight. If they can make it happen, it is what it is,” Hitchins said.