That fight hasn’t been scheduled yet, and even on a normal timeline, it probably won’t land until the summer. If Hitchins continues with that defense, there isn’t much room left in the calendar to move up, secure a title opportunity and get a fight with Haney before the end of the year.
Even in a best-case scenario, a Haney fight would be pushed to November or December, and that’s assuming everything moves smoothly without delays. That kind of path makes the exclamation feel more like long-term positioning than something made close to.
The reaction from fans reflects that mismatch. Some see Hitchins talking about a title shot at 147, while still tied at 140, as skipping steps, especially with his recent string of unfinished business.
There has already been criticism of his recent activity. Fights with Keyshawn Davis, Gary Antuanne Russell and Ernesto Mercado were all mentioned by fans as opportunities that never materialized.
His withdrawal from the fight with Oscar Duarte on the day of the event last February drew a strong reaction from fans, with many accusing him of getting cold feet. A smaller group saw it differently and pointed to the weight loss and the risk of going into a tough fight against a pressure farmer while drained. Hitchins is a big light welterweight and often looks much bigger after rehydration, which has kept the focus on whether 140 is still the right division for him.
That pattern has shaped how some fans view him now. Some of the reaction in the thread has focused less on the Haney match itself and more on whether Hitchins is willing to take the fights in front of him.
“Kool fights Russell first,” one user posted. Another wrote: “He thinks he’s smooth. Fight Duarte.” Others questioned his consistency, with one saying: “Hitchens just lies every interview.”
The tone across the responses was largely negative, with several comments suggesting he was more focused on money than facing the strongest opposition available.
Richardson, 28, said he would likely defend his IBF title before moving up, which would coincide with the mandatory against Delgado. This fight becomes important to him because it is the only immediate way to silence some of the criticism before he starts talking about title shots in a new division.
The problem is, the Haney fight is easy to call, but getting there this year is the part that doesn’t add up.
