Devin Haney Targets Welterweight Rival Richardson Hitchins

Unbeaten boxing champion Haney challenges world super-lightweight champ Hitchins to a showdown

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:19am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a boxing match between two fighters, with their forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a dynamic, energetic composition.The potential clash between unbeaten champions Devin Haney and Richardson Hitchins could elevate both fighters' profiles and expose the tensions that simmer beneath the surface of the sport.Denver Today

Unbeaten boxing champion Devin Haney has set his sights on a new rival, challenging the world super-lightweight champion Richardson Hitchins to a showdown. In a bold statement, Haney expressed his desire to be the first to beat Hitchins, who has maintained his unbeaten record and is currently the IBF title holder. This potential clash has sparked interest and debate among boxing fans, as Haney, a three-weight world champion, looks to expand his horizons beyond unification matches.

Why it matters

The Haney-Hitchins rivalry highlights the complex dynamics of the boxing world, where personal relationships and rivalries can be just as important as the fights themselves. This potential matchup could elevate both fighters' profiles and generate significant interest among fans, while also exposing the tensions and bad blood that sometimes simmer beneath the surface of the sport.

The details

Haney's statement comes after Hitchins called him out, using expletives and a belligerent tone. This has led to a tense back-and-forth between the two, with Haney now hoping for Hitchins' victory, but also expressing his desire to be the one to beat him. The question remains: will this rivalry escalate into a full-blown feud, or will it remain a friendly competition?

  • Hitchins called out Haney in a recent interview.

The players

Devin Haney

An unbeaten boxing champion who has won titles in three weight classes and is now looking to challenge world super-lightweight champion Richardson Hitchins.

Richardson Hitchins

The current IBF world super-lightweight champion, who has maintained an unbeaten record and has now been called out by Devin Haney.

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What they’re saying

“I want to be the first to beat Hitchins. He's the champion, and I want that title.”

— Devin Haney, Unbeaten boxing champion

“Haney can't hang with me. I'll shut that dude up real quick.”

— Richardson Hitchins, IBF world super-lightweight champion

What’s next

The boxing world will be closely watching to see if Haney and Hitchins can agree to a fight, and whether their rivalry will escalate into a full-blown feud or remain a friendly competition.

The takeaway

This potential matchup between Haney and Hitchins highlights the complex dynamics of the boxing world, where personal relationships and rivalries can be just as important as the fights themselves. The outcome of this potential clash could have significant implications for both fighters' careers and the sport as a whole.