Hitchins calls himself ‘One of boxing’s best’ with no fights

By Graham Ilford: Richardson Hitchins boasted about himself on social media today, claiming he is “one of the best in boxing”. With no fights scheduled and resumes still missing, IBF light welterweight champion Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) is still out in the cold with no options for big fights.

The former Matchroom fighter says he wants a big fight against the winner of Devin Haney vs. Brian Norman Jr. or have Teofimo Lopez. His lack of willingness to take the proper career-building fights against Gary Antuanne Russell, Subriel Matias, Keyshawn Davis or Ernesto Mercado has kept him stuck where he is.

One of the best in Boxing Era And you love it 😅 pic.twitter.com/R2iQaY4Fpy

— Richardson Hitchins (@HeIsRichardson) November 6, 2025

Fans call it Delusion

Fans on social media believe Hitchins made a mistake by abandoning Hearn after leading his career and putting him in a position to win a world title shot against vulnerable champion Liam Paro on December 7, 2024.

After Hitchins’ knockout victory in the eighth round over George Kambosos Jr. on June 14, 2025, he announced, “I’m now a free agent.” Hearn wanted to sign back up with his Matchroom company, and he was surprised by the announcement.

Eddie’s “Disrespected” Reaction

“I did feel slighted,” Hearn said in response to Hitchins’ free agency announcement. “It’s not him (Hitchins), it’s the dogs around him—snakes and leeches

Now that Hitchins has seemingly burned down that bridge, he’s going to have to take some big career risks in building his name by facing the sharks at 140. He’s not going to get backdoor treatment to bypass the killers who can wipe him out, showing that he couldn’t make the grade.

If Richardson Hitchins wants to get the mega-million paydays and upgrade his simple Brooklyn, New York digs for the luxury Upper East Side in Manhattan at 740 Park Avenuehe will have to risk his hiding place against these top predators:

The Sharks on 140

1. Gary Antoine Russell
2. Subriel Mathias
3. Teofimo Lopez
4. Keyshawn Davis
5. Ernesto Mercado

Hitchins should start with Gary Antuanne and then work through the next four. By the time he’s done with that list, he’ll have made enough of a name for himself to get the likes of Haney, Ryan Garcia and Brian Norman Jr. The promoters would beg him to sign with them and offer big money contracts.

Veteran boxing columnist Graham Ilford brings dry humor and long-deserved perspective to the sport.