Richardson Hitchins Names Desired Opponent for 2025 Unification Showdown

On Saturday, December 7, Richardson Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) produced a career-best win to defeat Liam Paro (25-1, 15 KOs) by a split decision to win the IBF super lightweight title. It was the main event of a Matchroom Boxing card live on DAZN at the Coliseo Robert Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico. During the post-fight interview with Chris Mannix, Hitchins revealed who he wants next.

Richardson Hitchins Eyes Teofimo Lopez Showdown

Hitchins Reveals Unification Target for 2025

Hitchins, successfully dethroned Liam Paro in Puerto Rico to become the new IBF super lightweight champion. Following a bright start by the Australian, Hitchins soon took control and used his jab to control the distance. His right hand was accurate all night – an eye-catching attribute throughout the contest.

Speaking to Mannix after the win, the Brooklyn native revealed what he wants next: “I want Teofimo [Lopez] in New York,” said Hitchins. he continued: “Brooklyn, unification, I think that would be one of the biggest fights in 2025, a very lucrative fight, a very big fight.”

The new IBF titlist added: “And like I said, I don’t belong in the ring with nobody else but the top level in boxing.”

Teofimo Lopez

Despite Hitchins making it clear he wants to face Lopez, it appears “The Takeover” will need convincing. The WBO super lightweight champion was working in Phoenix on the Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez card and revealed to ESPN+: “Before the closing of this year, we should have a fight lined up for the beginning of 2025.”

Lopez was asked about negotiations to fight Devin Haney and revealed they made a 55-45 split offer to Haney and they never received a response.

When asked if he could wave a magic wand and fight who he wanted, who would he like to face, Teofimo wasted no time in responding: “Jaron “Boots” Ennis, Gervonta Davis and finish with Terence Crawford.”