Light welterweight contender Richardson Hitchins is set to make his return to the ring in October in New York City. Despite being ranked #1 IBF, #3 WBO, and #5 WBC, Hitchins is struggling to find opponents that can elevate him to main-event status. His style is not considered appealing to fans, and he relies on fighting more popular fighters to draw in a crowd.
One potential opponent for Hitchins could be former IBF 140-lb champion Subriel Matias, who shares the same promotional company as him. Matias, being Puerto Rican, could attract a sizeable crowd in New York City. However, Hitchins’ defensive style, similar to that of Matias’ last opponent Liam Paro, could pose a challenge. The need for Hitchins to be more entertaining and take risks in his fights is crucial for his future success.
In his previous fights against Gustavo Lemos and Jose Zepeda, Hitchins has been criticized for his lackluster and unexciting style. The similarity between his style and that of Shakur Stevenson raises concerns about his potential to become a popular fighter. Fans in Las Vegas booed him in his last title eliminator, showing their disapproval of his safety-first approach to fights. The question of whether the New York City fans would be more forgiving remains unanswered.
Eddie Hearn, who promotes Hitchins, has been relatively silent about him lately, sparking concerns about the future of their partnership. The lack of promotion and attention from Hearn raises doubts about Hitchins’ prospects of being resigned when his contract expires. The potential signing of Shakur Stevenson as an opponent could either elevate or overshadow Hitchins, depending on Hearn’s plans for the future.
Richardson Hitchins faces a critical point in his career where he must overcome challenges in finding suitable opponents, appealing to fans, and securing continued promotional support. His defensive style and lack of excitement in recent fights raise doubts about his potential to become a popular fighter. The upcoming fight in New York City will be a crucial test for Hitchins and will determine his future in the competitive world of boxing.