The lightweight division is lit up with some trash talk and promises. Rising star Richardson Hitchins just dished out a two-word response to fellow promising prospect Keyshawn Davis, which could see them collide in the ring in 2025. However, a lot has to happen and both men will have to clear the path. 

27-year-old Hitchins is slated to square off against Australian Liam Paro in the latter’s first defense of the IBF super lightweight title. Hitchins will look to hand Paro his first career loss to steal the title on 7th December at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, which will be Hitchins’ third full 12-round fight same as Paro. 

On the other hand, ‘The Businessman’ Davis is also busy with his own matchup against Gustavo Daniel Lemos on 8th November at the Scope Arena in Norfolk. Interestingly, Hitchins is coming off a unanimous decision win over Davis’ upcoming opponent Lemos. If Davis can produce a better performance, that will be quite the statement. 

Regardless, on October 24th, Hitchins hopped on X to write, “I’m not only taking over the 140 division I’m taking over boxing period!” Responding to this tweet, a user mocked Hitchens suggesting he promises to take over the division but won’t fight the likes of Keyshawn Davis, Shakur Stevenson, and more. 

A couple of days later, Davis reacted to the interactions, writing, “Correction I’ll beat Africa up any day.” In what seems to be a response to Davis’ comment, the Brooklyn native mocked and took digs at Davis. “@KeyshawnDavis8 imagine ya weak a** beating me up you jokes…… no chin a** lil boy,” Hitchins wrote. 

Davis is not one to sit still—he quickly challenged Davis, writing, “All this talk don’t mean s**t. See you [in] 2025 guaranteed.” Hitchins also seems to have accepted the challenge, as he shared a two-word response, writing, “Say that.” Only time will tell whether this potential banger ends up happening but in the meantime, Hitchins seems to have entered into an interesting bet. 

Richardson Hitchins wagers his purse responding to Jack Catterall

Jack Catterall of Chorley, Lancashire, took a significant step towards a title shot by defeating former super lightweight champion Regis Prograis on 26th October at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. Despite getting dropped in the 5th round, Catterall came back with two knockdowns in the 9th to steal a unanimous decision victory. 

After his win, the 31-year-old southpaw challenged Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, and Liam Paro on social media. Catterall’s challenge to Paro for the title suggests he is counting out Hitchins in the upcoming bout between Paro and Hitchins. This didn’t sit well with the American, who responded to Catterall, writing, “I could bet you my whole purse you won’t be seeing Liam[.] Pay attention and take notes bum.”

Having said that, Richardson Hitchins seems to have picked up some serious challenges with people with impressive skills. Will these statements turn into future bouts? Or is it just talk? Let us know what you think in the comments.