A New York Storyline
IBF light welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins, a proud New Yorker, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposed venue for his potential unification match against WBO champion Teofimo Lopez. The idea of holding the fight at Alcatraz Island this summer in San Francisco, California, is far from appealing to Hitchins. Instead, he envisions a battle that honors their roots, taking place in the heart of New York City. Locations such as underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, Madison Square Garden, or the Barclays Center hold a special place in his heart and seem more logical for a matchup between two New York natives.
The Fan Connection
Hitchins’ point is well taken. For fans in Northern California, a fight between two New York-based fighters doesn’t carry the same excitement or local pride that a hometown fight would. The Bay Area has its own rich boxing history, and fans there would likely be more interested in a fight featuring a local hero. Moreover, the limited number of boxing events in the San Jose and Gilroy area makes it even less likely that this particular bout would draw a significant audience. The proposal to have the fight on Alcatraz seems more like a gimmick to generate buzz rather than a practical choice that aligns with the fighters’ backgrounds and fan bases.
Alternative Venues
Turki Al Khashabi, the promoter behind the Alcatraz idea, might be trying to create a unique and memorable event, but it’s clear that both fighters and their fans are more connected to New York. Hitchins has been a visible presence in the city since his impressive performance at the 2016 Olympics, representing New York and building a strong local following. The possibility of fighting in iconic venues like the Barclays Center or Madison Square Garden, which have been the site of numerous legendary boxing matches, adds a layer of historical significance and fan excitement that Alcatraz simply cannot replicate.
Waiting for the Right Offer
Hitchins remains committed to the matchup but is waiting to see if the fight makes sense logistically and financially. He mentioned that Eddie Hearn, his promoter, will be in talks with Turki Al Khashabi in the coming weeks to determine the viability of the fight and where it might be held. Hitchins is open to making the unification bout happen, but he wants to ensure that the location and the terms are fair and beneficial. For him, the fight’s appeal is significantly tied to the venue, and New York City offers a more compelling narrative.
Lopez’s Silence Speaks Volumes
Teofimo Lopez, a Brooklyn-born boxer with a significant following, has been notably quiet about his next opponent. This silence suggests that he may not be as enthusiastic about the Hitchins fight as he is about other potential matchups. Lopez has been vocal about his desire to face Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Terence Crawford, both of whom would likely offer more lucrative and high-profile bouts. Lopez’s reticence to mention Hitchins could be a strategic move, waiting to see if a better offer comes his way, or it could simply reflect a lack of interest in the fight. However, if the financial incentives are right, Lopez is expected to go forward with the bout, as is typical in the world of professional boxing.
A Battle of Words
In the buildup to any significant fight, the war of words is almost as important as the physical showdown. Hitchins understands this and is ready to engage in the verbal sparring that often precedes a major boxing event. He’s known for his trash talk and isn’t afraid to fire back at Lopez and his father, who are also notorious for their pre-fight antics. Hitchins believes that the financial stakes are rising for Lopez, who has been earning around one million per fight. This unification bout could be a stepping stone to bigger and better fights, and Hitchins is eager to be part of that narrative, provided the fight takes place in a venue that resonates with both fighters and their fans.
