Richardson Hitchins has formally called for a fight against Devin Haney at 147 pounds after Haney was left without an opponent. The challenge follows failed negotiations involving Keyshawn Davis and Shakur Stevenson, opening a clear path for Hitchins.
Haney was forced to search for a new rival after two potential fights collapsed in rapid succession. An ordered WBO title bout against Keyshawn Davis was cancelled after Davis declined his allocation from the purse bid. The outcome yielded Davis slightly over $2 million, failing to satisfy his initial $5 million demand.
Shakur Stevenson then renewed his push for a contest against Haney at a 144-pound catchweight. However, Bill Haney firmly rejected those terms, stating that Stevenson must earn his mandatory position through the WBO rankings instead of negotiating custom weight conditions.
Seeing the sudden opening, Hitchins immediately put himself forward for the vacant spot. He posted: “HITCHINS VS HANEY #147 😈,” making his ambitions public to the boxing community.
Hitchins enters the frame having recently stepped up in weight. In his first outing at 147 pounds for Zuffa Boxing, the former IBF light welterweight champion earned a 10-round unanimous decision against Ricardo Salas.
Hitchins has publicly targeted Haney for several years, but previous attempts failed to materialize. Now that Haney lacks a confirmed opponent, the circumstances offer a direct opening for both camps to negotiate terms.
Both fighters rely heavily on technical precision, ring generalship, and defensive discipline. While observers continue to debate whether a clash between two tactical boxers possesses the commercial draw of other high-profile options, the match offers clear sporting logic at welterweight. Haney must now decide whether to accept the callout or pursue alternative options in the division.
