Much of the criticism dates back to February 21, when Hitchins’ scheduled fight with Oscar Duarte was scrapped on fight day under circumstances many fans still find strange. That episode already damaged goodwill. Monday’s announcement reopened it.
Rival supporters also pointed to the names Hitchins didn’t fight at 140. Keyshawn Davis, Ernesto Mercado and Gary Antuanne Russell have all been repeatedly mentioned by fans who believe Hitchins left the division before mounting the strongest challenges available.
The general theory is that this move is more about money than legacy. Welterweight offers possible future business with bigger commercial names like Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney and Conor Benn, all of whom carry greater event value than most of the competitors at 140.
Hitchins certainly seems to be looking for the green belt of the financial variety. While moving up is often presented as a quest for “legacy” or “two-division glory”, the timing and the names involved suggest he is chasing the massive revenue that follows the Big 3 at 147.
The welterweight division is currently home to the biggest commercial draws outside of the heavyweight scene.
At 140, Hitchins was stuck in a bad position. Fighters like Ernesto Mercado and Gary Antuanne Russell are talented boogeymen who carry massive risk without the pay-per-view upside. By jumping to 147, Hitchins can bypass these dangerous contenders under the guise of moving toward greatness, while actually positioning himself for the Conor Benn or Ryan Garcia sweep.
For years, Hitchins used his large frame to his advantage at junior welterweight. However, the weight cut was clearly becoming a struggle, especially after the February 21st Duarte debacle.
By moving up, he can stop draining and potentially save his chin for the tougher punchers at welterweight, all while keeping his eyes on the prize: a massive payday that simply wouldn’t come at 140.
Ultimately, the bigger money fights seem to be the primary motivator. At 147 the water is deeper, but the gold at the bottom is much brighter.
There is also a practical side. Hitchins has long carried a reputation as a weight bully due to his size advantage in the division. Many believe he should have moved up to welterweight years ago instead of tapering off and using natural size against smaller opponents.
Now he gets what he asked for. At 147, the size edge shrinks, the punchers hit harder, and the criticism won’t go away unless the names get better.
