Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that there have been talks between Turki al-Sheikh and light welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins and Teofimo Lopez for a unification fight next year at 140. Hearn is confident that his fighter, IBF champion Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) will beat WBO belt Teofimo (21-1, 13 KOs).
Teofimo reportedly signed a three-fight contract with Turki for these three fights:
- Richardson Hitchins
- Jaron Ennis
- Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney 2 Winner or Loser (Most Likely Loser)
Hearn confirms the talks
“Yes, it was. Not with the top rank, but with His Excellency (Turki al-Sheikh),” said Eddie Hearn Fixip When asked if there were discussions for a unification fight between Richardson Hitchins and Teofimo Lopez.
“Keith Connolly represents both guys. So we're ready for that fight. Richardson is ready to jump into the unification fight right off the bat. The deal has to be right, obviously, but no problem. It's a great fight for New York, Teo vs. Hitchins , and we win well.
“So forget the plans for Teofimo Lopez. Richardson Hitchins is going to beat Teofimo Lopez. So we're ready for that fight. Teofimo Lopez probably,” Hearn said when asked what's next for Hitchins. “Before Teofimo, we were planning the George Kambosos fight in New York in the summer”
Hearn is right. Hitchins will 100% beat Teofimo and make it easy for him in the process. This will be an even easier win for Hitchins than his dominant win over IBF 140lb Liam Paro on December 7. If Turki wants Teofimo to fight three tough fights as part of his contract, he will lose them all, starting with Richardson.
Teofimo won't fight Hitchin unless Turki al-Sheikh offers him a boatload of money because that's not his style to fight hard, especially after getting burned in his matches against Jamaine Ortiz, Sandor Martin and George Kambosos Jr.
Kambosos' hopes
“George will be back. He'll be back in Australia and then the plan is to move him straight to Richardson Hitchins. If Hitchins fights Lopez we'll see what happens, but George has a shot at 147 and we'll see what happens happening,” Hearn said.
No one wants to see Kambosos Jr. was the one leading Hitchins for his IBF belt as he has not rated the world title taken with his terrible record in the last three years. Kambosos is headed for journeyman status and doesn't rate a title shot with his 1-3 record in his last four fights. You don't go to the championship game with a record like that in any other sport.
