Haney Declares Hitchins Looked “Cooked” At Weigh-In, Urging A Move To 147 Before Kambosos Title Defense

Devin Haney told Richardson Hitchins that he looked “cooked” at the weigh-in today for his defense of the IBF light welterweight title against George Kambosos, and recommended that he come up to 147.

Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) appeared drained, coming in at 140, and he still has the IBF’s 10-lb rehydration to deal with for Saturday’s headliner on DAZN at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Haney Suggests 147-Pound Move

Haney’s comment about Hitchinson needing to move up to 147 could be interpreted to mean that he wants to fight him. Devin is needy right now for an opponent after losing out on two mega-paydays against Teofimo Lopez and Ryan Garcia.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said today that Haney can go after one of the two titles that will be vacated by unified welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. He said Haney can fight the winner of the Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan rematch or face Shakhram Giyasov. Those are not the kind of fights that Haney had hoped to get.

“Africa, come to 147. You look cooked,” said Haney on X, talking about Richardson Hitchins.

Devin moved up to welterweight last month for his 145-lb catchweight fight against Jose Ramirez on May 2nd at Times Square in New York. However, he still hasn’t fought at the full welterweight limit, and has yet to face a welterweight opponent. Ramirez has been a career-long light welterweight.

“He’s fired up. Both teams are fired up. You’re going to get an incredible night tomorrow night on DAZN,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to DAZN Boxing, talking about Richardson Hitchins vs. George Kambosos Jr. “You’re going to get a really high-level fight, a beautiful crossroads fight.

If Kambosos (22-3, 10 KOs) pulls off the upset on Saturday night, Hitchins might as well take Haney’s advice and move up to 147. Maybe he might be interested in fighting him if he doesn’t lose too badly to ‘The Emperor’ Kambosos.

“I don’t think he does [overlook Kambosos]. It’s like history repeating itself this week. I think Richardson is cool,” said Hearn. “He’s nice and chilled, but the training team yesterday. It’s fiery.”

Hitchins’ Drained Appearance Concerns

As drained as Hitchins looked today, it doesn’t matter if he’s not overlooking Kambosos. Just being depleted the way he appears will be enough for him to lose the fight, and he will be forced to move up. He probably won’t. Hitchins has too much pride to walk away from a loss to Kambosos without attempting to avenge the defeat. This is a voluntary defense for Hitchins. So, there’s obviously a rematch clause.

“There’s a lot of emotion out there, and that’s what George wants,” said Hearn. “He wants Richardson to stand and fight, and he’s under a little bit of pressure to entertain, to make that statement. That’s dangerous in itself. George is not a top 15 guy. He’s a former undisputed champion, and he’s a very good fighter. He’s a very determined, smart guy.”

Hitchins didn’t look keyed up today like he was yesterday when Kambosos shoved him when he waved the real or fake $50K in his face, daring him to bet on the outcome. He didn’t like being shoved by Kambosos. Today, it was pretty mild with no temper lost on Hitchins’ part.

“He will want Richardson to come and fight, and I think he will tomorrow night. He’s got an opportunity to look good, but he also has got the possibility of defeat. I know Richardson is the favorite, but this is a tough challenge for him. It could really establish himself as a world-class name in the sport,” said Hearn.

Establishing Hitchins as World-Class

Beating Kambosos won’t establish Hitchins. ‘The Emperor’ is coming into this fight with a 2-3 record, which many feel should really be 1-4 due to Kambosos’ questionable win over Maxi Hughes. Take that win away, his record is 1-4 in his last five fights. For Hitchins to “establish himself,” he’s got to beat these fighters:

– Gary Antuanne Russell
– Keyshawn Davis
– Subriel Matias
– Teofimo Lopez
– Arnold Barboza Jr.