IBF champion Richardson Hitchins has publicly rejected Ryan Garcia’s claim that he got “cold feet” before a canceled February bout with Oscar Duarte. Hitchins called the accusation ridiculous, citing his long career at 140 pounds as proof of his readiness to compete.
The dispute centers on Hitchins’ title defense against Duarte, which was called off on fight day. Hitchins, who had successfully made weight, withdrew due to a stated illness. The last-minute cancellation drew suspicion, a narrative Garcia has continued to promote. Rather than letting the issue fade, Hitchins engaged directly with Garcia’s criticism on social media. He dismissed the idea that he would be intimidated by a contender like Duarte.
Hitchins wrote: “How long you known me and how long i been fighting 140 since you on my dick so much You know i been this weight since i was 15 You really think i got cold feet against Oscar Duarte bumass 🤣 Make it sound good”
His response is a tactical choice. Instead of offering further medical details to justify the withdrawal, Hitchins attacks the premise of the accusation itself, framing it as an absurd challenge to his established history as a fighter. He questions the logic of fearing an opponent in a weight class he has competed in since he was a teenager. This approach aims to discredit the accuser rather than re-litigate the reason for the cancellation.
Still, the controversy persists for one main reason: Hitchins has not rescheduled the fight with Duarte. Critics argue that a rescheduled bout would be the most effective way to silence the talk. By avoiding the matchup, Hitchins leaves the door open for speculation about his motives. This ongoing war of words with Garcia ensures the story remains a stain on his championship reign, impacting his credibility within the junior welterweight division and potentially complicating negotiations for future high-profile fights.
