Hitchens uses the title to capitalize on the Haney fight
Richardson Hitchens says he would like to make the first defense of his IBF light welterweight title against Devin Haney next. Hitchens (19-0, 7 KOs) feels that a fight between him and Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) would do big numbers on PPV because of the people involved and his father, Bill Haney, talking a lot about chaos to get it. Boxing fans are interested.
Last Saturday, Hitchens knocked out IBF 140-pound champion Liam Barrow (25-1, 15 KOs), beating him by 12-round split decision on December 7 at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Callout
Hitchens says Haney told him in the past that if he got a world title shot, he would fight him. Now that he has the 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 will not return to work for a while. Devin says he wants to rest.
It has already been seven months since his 12-round majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia on April 20, and it is believed he will sit back and wait out his suspension before his fight. Hani doesn’t risk staying busy and might get beaten up. This would ruin things for him regarding his rematch with Garcia.
Hitchens will have to look in another direction because Haney won’t fight him. If he could get a washed-up George Kambosos, this wouldn’t be a bad fight. The young ‘Emperor’ has failed to do anything since his upset win over Teofimo Lopez in 2021 and is viewed as a one-hit wonder. However, he can still talk about his fights, and his Australian fans still follow him.
“I love Devin Haney. I think that will be a huge PPV fight. I think the numbers will be good because there will be a lot of people involved,” Richardson Hitchens said. Fighthype About wanting to fight Devin Haney next.
“I talk a lot about Devin’s dad [Bill Haney] He talks a lot about ***. I feel like I’m the better fighter. Before I became champion, Devin told me, “Get the belt first, and then we can fight.” Well, now I’ve got the belt. Why don’t we fight the world champion? If he’s going to stay at 140, why don’t you fight me?
“Let’s make a big fight happen. Although, on a business note. 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’m already a world champion, and I’ve tasted success over the years.” The highest level when it comes to this sport.
“Now that I’m world champion, I have something to bring to the table in order to build a fight. If not that, unify with [WBA light welterweight champion Jose] Rayo [Valenzuela]Or Teofimo or any of the other champions it will be a great fight.
“George Kambosos is a big name and a foul-mouthed guy. We’re going to sell the fight. If they can pull it off, then it is what it is,” Hitchens said.
