WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney sparked a fresh round of social media hostilities on July 1, 2026, by labeling undefeated contender Richardson Hitchins the “King of Hypothetical Wins.” The sharp dismissal came via X (formerly Twitter) just hours after Richardson Hitchins questioned Devin Haney’s willingness to face him in an interview with Mr.
Verzace, during which the challenger claimed the champion “don’t want to fight me period.”
Devin Haney questions Richardson Hitchins over past cancellations
The exchange marks a significant escalation in a rivalry that has simmered since a 2023 sparring session, with both men now campaigning at the 147-pound limit. Devin Haney was quick to point to Richardson Hitchins’ recent fight history, specifically highlighting his withdrawal from a scheduled bout against Oscar Duarte on February 21, 2026.
“He pulled out the day of a fight,” Devin Haney wrote, contrasting his own active championship schedule with what he perceives as Richardson Hitchins’ lack of professional reliability.
Devin Haney’s “hypothetical” jab references the fact that while Richardson Hitchins remains vocal on social media, he has struggled to finalize major assignments in the ring this year. The champion dismissed Richardson Hitchins’ standing by comparing him unfavorably to other rising stars.
“Keyshawn better than him,” Devin Haney stated, referring to Keyshawn Davis, who was recently ordered by the WBO to begin mandatory title negotiations with the champion.
The roots of a welterweight rivalry
The animosity between Devin Haney and Richardson Hitchins isn’t new; it’s a story stretching back years, initially rooted in a sparring session around 2023. At the time, Hitchins was approximately 18, and Haney was 16 or 17. Their interaction then seemed cordial, with Haney reportedly acknowledging Hitchins’ talent.
However, the narrative shifted during a live social media session when Hitchins publicly agreed with a tweet suggesting he was superior to Haney, setting the stage for their current feud. This seemingly minor digital disagreement proved to be a significant turning point in their relationship.
The rivalry intensified further in the wake of Richardson Hitchins’ impressive eighth-round TKO victory over George Kambosos Jr. on June 14, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. Immediately following his win, Hitchins didn’t mince words, launching a scathing verbal assault on Devin Haney and his father, Bill Haney, issuing a direct challenge for a fight.
Devin Haney quickly responded on X, on June 15, 2025, signaling his willingness to meet at 147 pounds. This public exchange only fueled speculation about a potential clash between the two burgeoning welterweights.
Financial skirmishes and New York disputes
Beyond the in-ring challenges, their rivalry has also delved into financial accusations and territorial jabs. On January 24, 2026, Richardson Hitchins publicly addressed claims from Devin Haney that he had rejected a lucrative offer for a fight against Keyshawn Davis.
Haney had alleged that Hitchins turned down $1.5 million, an offer supposedly increasing to $2 million, opting instead for a $700,000 purse against a different opponent. Hitchins vehemently denied these figures, stating he earned “upwards of close to seven figures” for his bout against Kambosos and that the offer for Keyshawn Davis never exceeded $1.7 million, far short of his asking price of “upwards of three” million.
The feud took a more personal turn with a bizarre exchange about New York. On June 13, 2026, Hitchins posted on X, “You not allowed in New York This summer!” Haney quickly retorted, “I’ll be there next week, lol.”
These social media barbs underscore the deeply personal nature of their rivalry, reaching beyond professional challenges to include public digs about finances and even geographical presence. It shows that both boxers are eager to engage, even if it’s only digitally for now.
Richardson Hitchins’ jump to welterweight
Richardson Hitchins has defended his recent lack of activity, citing the physical impossibility of continuing to make the 140-pound limit. He explained that the IBF’s rehydration clause had left him drained, leading to his day-of-fight withdrawal from the Oscar Duarte match in Las Vegas.
This admission sheds light on the demanding nature of weight cutting in professional boxing, a factor that often impacts fighters’ careers and decisions to move up in weight class. His experience highlights the constant battle boxers face outside of the ring, preparing their bodies for the arduous demands of fights.
The move to 147 pounds was, according to Hitchins, a necessary step for his career longevity, as making junior welterweight had become nearly impossible. This transition period mirrors broader shifts in the sport, much like how women’s boxing emerging prime has seen champions move through weight classes to maintain elite performance levels.
For Hitchins, the transition represents a fresh start, aiming to validate his place in a new division and silence critics like Devin Haney. If he performs well at welterweight, it could provide the leverage needed for bigger fights.
Keyshawn Davis: a mandatory challenge for Haney
While the verbal sparks fly between Devin Haney and Richardson Hitchins, the WBO welterweight champion has more immediate concerns in the ring. The World Boxing Organization officially ordered Haney to commence negotiations for a mandatory title defense against Keyshawn Davis on June 30, 2026.
This mandated bout is slated for August, placing a concrete obstacle in the path of any potential fight between Haney and Hitchins in the near future. It also signifies the formal recognition of Davis as a top contender in the division.
The WBO’s directive means Devin Haney must now focus his attention on fulfilling his championship obligations. His father, Bill Haney, has been quite vocal about their plans, suggesting that after handling mandatory challengers, larger fights are on the horizon.
Possible opponents include Gervonta “Tank” Davis, a fight Haney has expressed interest in for 2027, and a potential unification bout against IBF champion Lewis Crocker, which Haney mentioned on December 15, 2025.
Hitchins’ Zuffa Boxing debut approaches
Richardson Hitchins is currently focused on his upcoming welterweight debut for Zuffa Boxing against Ricardo Salas. The fight is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2026, at The Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, which boasts a 5,000-seat capacity.
This bout will be Richardson Hitchins’ first under Dana White’s promotional banner and serves as a critical opportunity to prove his power translates to the welterweight class after vacating his IBF title in April 2026. A victory against Salas is paramount for Hitchins to maintain his perfect 20-0 record.
The move to Zuffa Boxing signifies a new chapter in Hitchins’ career, potentially opening doors to larger platforms and more significant fights. His performance on July 26 will be closely watched by fans and rivals alike, especially by Devin Haney.
If Richardson Hitchins secures a dominant win, the “hypothetical” wins Devin Haney referenced may become tangible leverage for a title shot. However, Devin Haney’s immediate future is tied to his WBO obligations, specifically the mandatory defense against Keyshawn Davis.
Evaluating the current status of both welterweight stars
Devin Haney currently holds a record of 33-0 with 15 knockouts, though his April 20, 2024, bout against Ryan Garcia was recently ruled a no-contest. In that fight, Garcia weighed in above the 143.2 lbs limit for the WBC super lightweight title, was fined, and knocked Haney down three times before winning via majority decision.
Despite that setback, Haney has gone on to establish himself as the WBO welterweight champion following a unanimous decision victory against José Ramírez on May 2, 2025, in Times Square, New York.
His impressive career, which also includes a hard-fought win over Vasiliy Lomachenko that Hitchins himself admitted to respecting, solidifies his standing as a dominant force. His father, Bill Haney, has already begun scouting future mega-fights, mentioning Gervonta “Tank” Davis as a potential target for 2027 once mandatory obligations are met.
Haney has also expressed interest in a 144-pound catchweight bout against Shakur Stevenson, though Bill Haney claims Stevenson went quiet after the offer was verbally accepted. For now, the focus remains on Keyshawn Davis, and then potentially on unification bouts with fighters like Lewis Crocker, the IBF champion.
Richardson Hitchins, meanwhile, steps into the 147-pound fray with an undefeated record of 20-0 (8 KOs). His last appearance in the ring was an eighth-round TKO victory over George Kambosos Jr. on June 14, 2025.
While Devin Haney views him as a “talker,” Richardson Hitchins maintains that he made “upwards of close to seven figures” for his last fight and is ready for the financial and physical demands of the elite welterweight ranks. This combination of a strong record and clear confidence sets him up as a compelling figure in the division.
Whether these two ever meet in a professional ring likely depends on Richardson Hitchins’ performance on July 26 against Ricardo Salas, and Haney clearing his mandatory obligations. Just as contract disputes have delayed major heavyweight clashes, the current WBO mandate could postpone the Haney-Hitchins showdown.
A victory for Hitchins could position him as a legitimate threat, intensifying calls for a fight that boxing fans are increasingly eager to see. The underlying tension ensures that whenever—and if—they finally meet, it will be a highly personal and anticipated affair.
