If you’re one of the titleholders at 140 pounds, Richardson Hitchins wants to jump in the ring with you. It isn’t anything personal but becoming a world champion has always been a dream of his.
Hitchins isn’t the picky type but just last year, he took a particular liking to the green WBC strap held by Regis Prograis. Whenever a microphone was present, Hitchins did his best to annoy Prograis, calling him out at every turn and often ripping his skills.
Prograis never took the bait. At times, he threw a few verbal jabs in the direction of the highly-ranked contender but in terms of actually facing him, he was never truly interested. It was a simple case of high risk vs. low reward. Or, in other words, it wasn’t worth it.
Prograis, in the meanwhile, turned his attention to Devin Haney. The former undisputed lightweight champ was making his debut at 140 pounds and wanted the opportunity to become an official world champion in his first fight above the lightweight limit.
Hitchins (17-0, 7 KOs) watched somewhat acrimoniously as Haney pitched a shutout. Now, Prograis’ stock has plummeted. Still, even with his poor performance and his trinket now in the hands of someone else, Hitchins is willing to hand Prograis his second consecutive defeat.
“If I can’t get a world title fight and if Eddie wants to make the fight happen, let’s make the fight happen,” Hitchins told BoxingScene.com during a recent interview.
At least on paper, Prograis would be considered Hitchins’ most difficult test. But before any private discussions can take place between them, the New Yorker has some work to do.
On April 6th in Las Vegas, Nevada, someone will be forced to leave the ring without their spotless record when Hitchins takes on Gustavo Lemos.
So for now, the 27-year-old is the most important man in Hitchins’ life. Once he takes care of business against him, however, he can place all of his focus on a fighter he doesn’t think that highly of.
“I feel like he’s sorry, straight ass.”