Eddie Hearn now has a clear path to a unification fight between IBF 140-lb champion Richardson Hitchins and WBO champion Teofimo Lopez. Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis has decided he does not want to face Teofim in the title defense of his IBF light heavyweight belt. He says he’d rather focus on unification at 147.
Hitchins vs Theofim: A realistic game
Promoter Hearn should contact Bob Arum, Theofimo’s boss at Top Rank, and try to negotiate a fight. It’s the best available contest for Teofim (21-1, 13 KOs) as he won’t get the Terence Crawford match he’s been asking for.
Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) captured the IBF 140-pound title with a 12-round split decision win over Liam Parr last Saturday night at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Eddie Hearn-promoted Hitchins looked great, beating Paro 116-112, 116-112 for Paro and 117-111 for Paro.
Teofimo would have to want a fight with Hitchins because he can choose not to accept the fight if he feels it will be difficult or a fight he could lose.
“He said he wanted Teofimo Lopez.” It’s a pretty big fight in New York. Teofimo and Hitchins are both New Yorkers, both 140-pound champions,” said Chris Mannix on YouTube. “I think Theofimo-Hitchins is a much more realistic fight (than Jeron Ennis vs. Theofimo).
“I think it’s a fight that Top Rank could fight financially.” Teofimo is clearly the A-side in such a fight. He would get the bulk of the money and get an account on A’s side. Although Hitchins is the title holder, he is not that expensive.
“You can fight Theophimus and Hitchins. Put it on ESPN. If they don’t want to put it on ESPN, Eddie Hearn could put it on DAZN. That fight makes a lot more sense. It’s an interesting clash of styles, just like Paro and Hitchins. Teofimo is more of an upbeat guy. Hitchins is more of a classic boxer.
Obviously not the big fight Teofimo wants against Jeron Botts Ennis, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia or Crawford, but it’s as good as it gets for him.
“Who wins? Teofimo has a lot more pop than Liam Parro. It’s a very interesting fight at 140. It’s a fight I want to see Teofimo win. Not something like Boots Ennis,” Mannick said.
“Hitchins, no one gives him credit for his power, but I do. I could hear, and I could see. “He doesn’t commit to combinations,” said Sergio Mora. “Shooting the pot.” You could hear it and see the respect he gets from his opponents. I could see it in Paro’s face after the second half. He was a defeated fighter.”