Amateur history resurfaces
According to Gary Russell, that history is why the game has stalled.
Russell accused Hitchins of being “afraid” to fight his brother, pointing to their amateur record as proof. Antuanne Russell defeated Hitchins four times before they turned professional, a stretch Gary believes still comes up over the discussion of a potential unification.
“If somebody hits me four times, I try to see you again,” Russell said. “I need it back.”
Hitchins instead turned his attention to higher profile names. He has openly discussed his interest in fights against fighters like Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez, bouts that would bring greater exposure and financial upside. While those fights remain speculative, Russell suggested Hitchins has been selective about what risks he’s willing to take.
“He’s scared,” Russell said in an interview with MillCity Boxingwhen asked about Hitchins’ lack of interest in facing Antuanne. When asked directly about whether this amounts to ducking, Russell didn’t hesitate.
“They know what’s going on with our DNA here,” he said. “My little brother beat him four times in the amateurs. If someone beat me four times, I try to get one of them back. You’re not going to get a whole glove on me. I need at least one.”
Which would settle a win
From a competitive standpoint, Antuanne Russell represents one of the most demanding options available at 140 pounds. He is a reigning champion with an aggressive style and familiarity with Hitchins that few others in the division share. A win would settle lingering questions and solidify Hitchins’ standing among the division’s elite.
For now the situation remains unchanged. Hitchins is still talking about marquee opportunities, while the association with Antuanne Russell remains unresolved. As long as that gap persists, criticism from the Russell camp is unlikely to go away.
