Richardson Hitchins says he wants Devin Heaney next for his first defense of the IBF light heavyweight title he won last Saturday night against champion Liam Parro. Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) claims that Haney said he would fight him if he won the belt.
(Credit: Melina Pisano/Matchroom)
One obstacle that could prevent Hani from fighting Hitchins is the IBF’s 10lb rehydration limit. He would have to hold his weight no higher than 150 overnight after the secondary weigh-in on the morning of the fight.
If Devin needs to rehydrate to 165, the IBF’s rehydration clause will prevent him. For this reason, he will refuse to fight Hitchins.
Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) does not have a fight scheduled after losing to Ryan Garcia earlier this year on April 20. Since then it has been sitting idle for the last 7 1/2 months.
Will Haney answer?
“Whichever champion wants to fight.” Haney said if I get the belt, he will fight me. So let’s do it,” said Richardson Hitchins media following his victory over IBF light heavyweight champion Liam Parr last Saturday night.
“I’m ready for any of the best names.” I want the biggest fight in boxing. It’s time to secure my legacy. Provide for my family and fight the greatest battles.”
Hitchins schooled IBF light heavyweight champion Paro (25-1, 15 KOs), defeating him by unanimous decision over 12 rounds at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The scores were 116-112, 116-112 for Hitchins and 117-111 for Paro.
The pair’s fans believe he made a mistake by agreeing to fight Hitchins on neutral ground instead of insisting, as champion, that he fight in his native Australia to gain an advantage with fans and points in the competition.
It might not have made a difference because Paro was so out of his class that it might not have mattered if the judges were from Australia.