By Elliot Raines: Richardson Hitchins says that during their undated sparring session he realized Brian Norman Jr. is not on his level. He predicts that Devin Haney Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) will defeat him to dethrone him of his WBO welterweight title this month on November 22nd in their co-main event in Riyadh.
Haney reinforces Hitchins’ claims on X
Haney reinforced a Hitchins interview today on X in which he bragged about his success with Hitchins, recounted his 2016 Olympic experience and predicted he “can’t beat Devin.” He also repeatedly said that Norman Jr. “not on my level.”
How Hitchins ended up in Haiti’s 2016 team
What was interesting about the interview was how the Brooklyn, New York-born Hitchins bragged about his participation in the 2016 Olympics. What he left out in his how, participated. He was beaten by Gary Antuanne Russell during the US Olympic trials and failed to make the team. Hitchins then switched to Haiti and made it to their team, which was significantly weaker than the USA during the 2016 Olympics.
So, Hitchins did compete in the Olympics that year, but he had to join a weaker team to make it because Gary Antuanne Russell eliminated him. It was the first of four losses Hitchins suffered at the hands of Russell, who owned him in the amateur ranks with a perfect 4-0 record.
Some fans will argue that Gary Antuanne’s dominance of Hitchins is the only reason he has shown no interest in fighting him for a unification at 140. It’s a natural fight to have, given that both fighters hold light welterweight world titles. However, Hitchins showed no ambition to confront Russell. Now, why is that?
“The sparring, he wasn’t on my level. He was strong. You could tell he was strong with natural ability and quick reactions. But as far as boxing skills, it wasn’t a puzzle to me. It wasn’t anything to figure out,” Richardson Hitchins told the 10-8 podcasttalks about his sparring with Brian Norman Jr.
“Atlanta, Georgia, is not a big boxing city. Brian Norman is not a guy I’ve heard of in the amateurs. You can tell he’s a dedicated fighter for his craft. But when it comes to natural ability with the pedigree I got when I was in the Olympics, Being around guys like Shakur since I was a young kid, with guys like ‘Boots’ and Gary (Anguanne Russell), it was a whole different level (than Norman Jr.).
Amateur record tells a different story
Hitchins’ record as an amateur was a humble 37-12 compared to Brian Norman Jr’s 12-1. The difference is that Norman Jr. chose to turn pro after two years in the amateurs in 2016 – 2017. Richardson stayed in the amateurs for three years from 2013 to 2016.
Notable fighters Hitchins lost to the amateurs
- Gary Antoine Russell: X 4
- Jaron Ennis x 2
- Vergil Ortiz Jr
- Jamaine Ortiz
- Abraham Nova
- Pat McCormack
Hitchins never beat any notable fighters during his amateur career. He lost every notable fighter he faced, and his wins came exclusively against obscure fighters.
“You can tell he’s just not at that level. You could see it in his previous fights, and you’re going to see it (against Haney). I have a lot to say about Devin Haney, but I really don’t think Brian Norman is at that level. Just because he’s talking daddy s***, I have to tell the truth. No, you can’t beat Dechins,” Hit Haney said.
It would be helpful if Hitchins mentions Norman Jr. sparred. Given his age, 28, compared to the 24-year-old Norman Jr., it would be interesting to know if the sparring took place when Brian Jr. was a teenager.
“You can’t beat Devin Haney,” Hitchins says
“At first I was cool with Brian Norman Jr. ‘I think you can beat Devin Haney.’ Now that your dad’s talking, I’m not going to like it. You can’t beat Devin Haney. So, now he’s got to shut me up. I bet you, Devin. You better beat (Norman Jr.),” Hitchins said.
Elliot Raines has been covering British and European boxing since 2010. Known for his sharp pen and low tolerance for hype, Raines analyzes the sport’s politics, promoters and paper champions with dry precision.
