Amateur History Resurfaces
According to Gary Russell, that history is the reason the matchup has stalled.
Russell accused Hitchins of being “scared” to fight his brother, pointing to their amateur record as evidence. Antuanne Russell defeated Hitchins four times before they turned professional, a stretch that Gary believes still looms over the discussion of a potential unification.
“If someone beat me four times, I’m trying to see you again,” Russell said. “I need that back.”
Hitchins has instead focused his attention on higher-profile names. He has openly discussed his interest in bouts against fighters such as Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez, matchups that would bring greater exposure and financial upside. While those fights remain speculative, Russell suggested that Hitchins has been selective about which risks he is willing to take.
“He’s scared,” Russell said in an interview with MillCity Boxing, when asked about Hitchins’ lack of interest in facing Antuanne. When questioned directly about whether that amounted to ducking, Russell did not hesitate.
“They know what’s up with our DNA over here,” he said. “My little brother beat him four times in the amateurs. If someone beat me four times, I’m trying to get one of them back. You’re not going to get a whole glove on me. I need at least one.”
What a Win Would Settle
From a competitive standpoint, Antuanne Russell represents one of the most demanding options available at 140 pounds. He is a reigning champion with an aggressive style and familiarity with Hitchins that few others in the division share. A victory would settle long-standing questions and solidify Hitchins’ position among the division’s elite.
For now, the situation remains unchanged. Hitchins continues to speak about marquee opportunities, while the unification with Antuanne Russell remains unresolved. As long as that gap persists, criticism from the Russell camp is unlikely to fade.
