Former IBF light-welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins makes his welterweight debut against Ricardo Salas this Sunday at Madison Square Garden. Moving up to 147 pounds under the Zuffa Boxing banner, Hitchins is already targeting top names including Brian Norman Jr.
The 28-year-old surrendered his title at 140 pounds to start a fresh chapter at welterweight. Hitchins noted during Thursday’s media availability in New York that managing his weight had become increasingly demanding after competing in the lighter division since his youth.
Explaining his decision to step up in weight, Hitchins said: “I’ve been at 140 since I was 15 years old. I’m 28 now, so it’s been a long time coming to move up to 147. I feel stronger. My weight cut is much easier. Camp is way more smoother. I don’t really got to worry about certain things that I had to do to make the 140 weight class. Now at 47, I’m filled in more into my grown man strength, and I feel great overall… I feel like welterweight is the place where I will cement my legacy.”
Salas presents the immediate hurdle in New York. A decisive outcome on Sunday night will dictate how quickly Zuffa Boxing can position the former champion for a belt opportunity at 147 pounds.
Establishing a strong foothold in the welterweight division requires overcoming Salas before any negotiations can begin. While Conor Benn is currently scheduled for another bout, Hitchins views Norman as an ideal next opponent to prove his standing in the weight class.
Speaking on potential future matchups, Hitchins said: “Brian makes sense. If Zuffa can make the Brian fight. Conor Benn is going into a big fight. So Brian Norman, I guess. I mean it really don’t matter. I’m willing to fight any and everybody in boxing to be honest. I feel like I’m the best boxer in boxing and I’m going to keep proving it. My accomplishments prove it. If Brian Norman want to come here and come try to compete against me, let’s make it happen because I last recall his dad said that they wanted me after the Devin Haney fight. So I’m at 47 now. So let’s make the fight happen.”
