Eddie Hearn has confirmed that there are serious talks for an IBF-WBO junior welterweight unification clash between Richardson Hitchins and Teofimo Lopez. Discussions are said to involve Turki Alalshikh, who reportedly signed Teofimo to a three-fight deal that includes showdowns with Hitchins, Jaron Ennis, and possibly the loser of Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney 2.
According to Hearn, Hitchins is ready to jump into a unification bout “straight off the bat,” and he’s confident the 25-year-old from Brooklyn will outclass Teofimo. "Forget the plans for Teofimo Lopez," Hearn told Fighthype. "Richardson Hitchins will beat Teofimo Lopez." Hearn also mentioned that if Hitchins doesn’t land Lopez next, he's looking to make a fight with George Kambosos Jr. in New York - though that matchup may lose steam if Teo’s bout with Hitchins comes together quickly.
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There's skepticism about whether Teofimo will agree to such a tough slate of fights without a significant payday. Lopez has often taken issue with "risky" bouts - particularly after struggling in contests against Jamaine Ortiz, Sandor Martin, and George Kambosos Jr. Yet, if Turki Alalshikh is willing to open the vault, Lopez might not be able to resist. If he does move forward, Hearn is betting big on Hitchins handing Teo a second career defeat.
As for Kambosos, Hearn says there's still a plan to keep him in the mix, potentially at 147 pounds. But after going 1-3 in his last four outings, the once-unified champion is now viewed by many as a step below the top names at junior welterweight. No matter how it all plays out, Hearn seems more than ready to usher Hitchins into the spotlight - and perhaps onto a collision course with a hesitant but possibly well-compensated Teofimo Lopez.
Read more about Richardson Hitchins' career here.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing