Richardson Hitchins believes his move to welterweight is more than a change in weight class. He sees it as the division where he can accomplish the biggest goals of his career.
The former IBF light welterweight champion discussed the move during a media session before Sunday’s bout with Ricardo Salas at Madison Square Garden. Hitchins explained that making 140 pounds had become increasingly difficult after spending more than a decade in the division, leaving him convinced the move to 147 has arrived at the right time.
“I feel great. At 140, I’ve been at 140 since I was 15 years old. I’m 28 now, so it’s been a long time coming to move up to 147. I feel stronger. My weight cut is much more easier. Camp is way more smoother. I don’t got to worry about certain things that I had to do to make the 140 weight class. Now at 47, I’m filled in more into my grown man strength, and I feel great overall,” said Hitchins to Fight Hub TV.
“I feel like welterweight is the place where I will cement my legacy and thrive the best at. That’s where all the big names in boxing are. You got Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez and Ryan Garcia. This is the glamour division in boxing. I think this is where I can really make a real chase to greatness in this weight class.”
Hitchins has made no secret of wanting the biggest available names since relinquishing his IBF title. During the same interview, he mentioned Brian Norman Jr. as a logical future opponent while also expressing interest in facing Haney, Keyshawn Davis or Conor Benn if those opportunities become available.
His immediate focus remains Salas, but Hitchins is already looking beyond one fight. He believes the extra seven pounds will allow him to perform closer to his full physical potential after years of demanding weight cuts, and he expects the move to 147 to become the stage where the defining victories of his career are earned.
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Boxing • Boxing News • Richardson Hitchins Targets Greatness at 147
Last Updated on 2026/07/24 at 2:50 AM
