Hitchins Promises ‘Different Mode’ But Fans Want Proof

Richardson Hitchins says he’s going to be in a “different type of mode” for his next fight. The IBF light welterweight champion, Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs), hasn’t announced yet who he’ll be fighting next.

Eight Years, No A-Level Wins

People are hoping that Hitchins shows some ambition by fighting the champions at 140, and the top contenders that he’s been steering clear of. Thus far, Hitchins still hasn’t fought an A-level fighter during his eight-year pro career.

His last fight against faded George Kambosos Jr. on June 14, 2025, was what he considered a step up. Fans didn’t feel that it was. It was more of the same match-ups that Hitchins has had his entire career. He’s still making a big deal about his win over Kambosos, believing that it helped make a name for himself.

Showing a “different type of mode” against someone like Gary Antuanne Russell, Subriel Matias, and Keyshawn Davis would show fans that Hitchins is for real. Fans believe that Hitchins wants nothing to do with any of them, and is just looking to get a payday against fighters that have already made it.

Hitchins Promises a New Gear

My next fight i promise you im Coming For it In a different type of mode 😤

— Richardson Hitchins (@HeIsRichardson) November 2, 2025

Richardson stated last week that he’s interested in moving up to 147 to face the winner of the fight between Devin Haney and WBO 147-lb champion Brian Norman Jr. That doesn’t seem like a realistic option without Turki Alalshikh’s involvement.

Names That Could Test Him

Those fighters won’t be interested in fighting a non-popular fighter like Hitchins unless it pays. Hitchins wouldn’t be dismissed by those two if he’d already stepped it up against Russell, Keyshawn, Matias, and Ernesto Mercado by now. The fact that he hasn’t held him back. He’s still young at 28, but he should be further along in his career than he is.

Hitchins’ Last Six Fights

George Kambosos Jr
Liam Paro
Gustavo Lemos
Jose Zepeda
John Bauza
Yomar Álamo

“I do want to be the best. I’m fresh off a victory over George Kambosos. I called out guys like Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez,” said Hitchins to Ring Magazine. “Some fighters step it up to take chances, and some don’t. Talented but scary,” said Hitchins about Teofimo Lopez.

If Hitchins moved up and fought the top contenders at welterweight, like Shakhram Giyasov, Raul Curiel, and Eimantas Stanionis, he’d have a better argument to make for why he deserves to fight for a world title at 147.

“I’m open to working with Eddie [Hearn]. He’s one of the guys that gave me the opportunity to start making a name for myself,” said Hitchins about being with Hearn and his Matchroom company for the last six fights since 2022.