Brian Norman Sr. says he wants Richardson Hitchins next for his son, WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs), has after defending against Devin Haney in two weeks on Nov. 22 in Riyadh.
Last month, on October 28, 2025, Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) said he would fight the winner of the Haney vs. Norman Jr. fight, saying he will move up to 147 to fight for the WBO welterweight title against whoever emerges victorious.
Five-year-old sparring story resurfaces
Hitchins then bragged about how he Norman Jr. dominated in sparring, and told the 10-8 podcast that it was “easy job” against the “little child.” What he failed to include in his story was that the sparring took place five years ago, when Norman Jr. 19 was, and it was only a three-round session.
Hitchins then launched into how he competed in the 2016 Olympics, using it to bolster his story about being on a different level than Norman Jr. wash. He made it to the Olympics for the Haitian team after failing to make the US team after being eliminated by Gary Antuanne Russell.
“You’re next, Hitchins” — Norman Sr. not bluffing
“We love the fight. I’m not going to be like a dumb a** Devin Haney chasing Ryan Garcia 2. You hear me now, say as clear as day, you’re next” coach Brian Norman Sr. told the 10-8 podcast about Richardson Hitchins as the next opponent for WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. want if he prevails against Devin Haney.
If this fight takes place, Hitchins (28) will cross the line at 147 and jump ahead of the contenders in the WBO rankings. The fighters who have been waiting for their title shot will not be thrilled to see Richardson get an undeserved title shot at the Haney vs. Norman Jr. fight not.
WBO rules can complicate the conversation
It is doubtful that the World Boxing Organization would approve a fight of that nature, as Hitchins is not in their top 15 at 147, and they are strict about who their champions are allowed to fight. Now, if Hitchins were to move up to welterweight and defeat the top contenders in the WBO rankings, he might have a chance to fight for the title. However, taking the lazy approach of skipping the line cheapens the meaning of being a champion.
“If you want to be next, you’re next in a homecoming fight,” Norman Sr. said. said about Hitchins. “We love those who think they’re elite. You’re next, but we have to deal with Devin Haney now. I’m not one to talk in circles and try to duck.”
Russell, Matias, Keyshawn – All ignored
Does Hitchin really think he is elite? Given that he chose not to accept the shoutouts by WBA 140-lb champion Gary Antuanne Russell, WBC champion Subriel Matias, Keyshawn Davis and Ernesto Mercado, you have to question whether he truly believes he is elite.
Hitchins just seems to be chasing a payday and doesn’t want to risk his hiding to work for it by running the rig at 147 to face the contenders who can expose him the way Gustavo Lemos did.
“Who is Richardson Hitchins? Who would ever dive him? He went through life and death with (Gustavo) Lemos. Get the hell out of here. These are little itty bitty (fighters). He brags about saving a 20-year-old Brian Norman for three rounds who was passed out as a mother**** that no one ever talked about him and his trainer,” Norman Sr. said.
Hitchins’ fight against Lemos on April 6, 2024 was a tough fight to watch. The Argentinian Lemos (30-2, 20 KOs) pressured Hitchins throughout, landing heavy shots and wearing him down like clockwork. The judges gave it to Hitchins, but many fans believed Lemos was the winner.
Last updated on 11/08/2025
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