Sparring stories are the boxing’s phantom. While we are never sure about reality, some things are sure. Rivalries are born out of these. Some controversies too. It seems another rivalry is brewing, which started with a sparring session between Richardson Hitchins and Devin Haney.

Hitchins, 27, is on the cusp of adding a world title to his waist when he takes on Liam Paro for the IBF super lightweight gold strap. But it seems he has set sights on another champion in the division, Haney, 26. What’s more? The two go a long way back when he did a number on the WBC champion in recess, and now the fans can understand why he always targets ‘The Dream’ with scathing comments.

Hitchins, at 18-0, painted a target on Haney, 31-0, when he appeared in a conversation with Boxing News+. Detailing their sparring sessions, the super lightweight prospect from Brooklyn put himself above the latter and by a substantial margin. He said, “The time me and Devin got in the ring, I always showed that I was the better fighter. It was never like, these guys is neck and neck. I always showed that I was the better fighter.”

Hitchins then explained those sparring sessions were the reason Haney never agreed to a pro fight with him. How did the San Francisco native get out? By demanding that Hitchins needed to bring a title of his own to the negotiation table. Hitchins continued, “He knows what I bring to the table. And his way out was just saying, ‘Oh, he didn’t got no belt. Go, go get a belt first, and then show me something’.”

So, what happens if Hitchins wins the IBF crown? The Brooklyn native envisions a PPV at the Barclays Center in New York. He told Boxing Scene, “It would be a big event and a huge fight. I’m a brash Brooklyn guy with real skills and with real pedigree.”

But what about Haney’s recent struggles? Will those give Hitchins an edge? It seems the lightweight boxer has a few things to say.

Richardson Hitchins puts Devin Haney’s vulnerabilities out in the open

In the same conversation, Hitchins launched an attack on Haney. ‘The Clinchman’ believed Haney’s resume was thin, and Ryan Garcia exposed his boxing style. He declared, “Devin is a good boxer. But he’s not the fighter that the boxing world was hyping him out to be. He never fought anybody. It was careful matchmaking… Devin used his athleticism and his skills to maneuver. But when he fought Ryan Garcia, it showed he had weaknesses and holes.”

Haney took a break from boxing after his fight with ‘KingRy,’ where the boxing fans saw him taking a knee thrice and even dropping the fight. However, Garcia’s PED tests converted the contest into a no-contest. It seems he might have another challenger to deal with in Hitchins whenever he makes a return.

What do you make of Richardson Hitchins’ comments about Devin Haney? Do you see the two fighting soon? Let us know in the comments below.