Richardson Hitchins Calls Out Ryan, Haney, Teofimo And Benn Before July 26 Debut

Fans questioned why the former IBF champion named Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez but left Keyshawn Davis off his list

Richardson Hitchins ignited debate ahead of his welterweight debut after naming several potential opponents on social media while leaving out Keyshawn Davis. The omission quickly became the focus of fan reaction, overshadowing Hitchins’ message about chasing the division’s biggest fights.

With 14 days remaining before his July 26 welterweight debut against Ricardo Salas at Madison Square Garden, the former IBF light welterweight champion posted a message on social media declaring that a victory would begin the “Hit Chins Era.”

“14 days till It’s Belt For Salas and after this any one of y’all favorite fighters at 147 can get it, Ryan, Devin, Rolly, Teo, Coner Benn And any one of them other Guys it’s the Hit👊🏾Chins Era I promise,” said Hitchins on X.

Instead of celebrating the list of potential opponents, many fans immediately questioned why Hitchins failed to mention Keyshawn Davis. The former Olympic silver medalist has become one of the division’s most talked-about contenders, and several replies accused Hitchins of overlooking him while calling out bigger commercial names.

Hitchins is making his first appearance at welterweight after vacating the IBF 140-pound title. A victory over Salas would put him in position to pursue major fights against established names such as Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, Rolly Romero and Conor Benn, all of whom he included in his post.

The reaction also reflects the skepticism some fans still have about Hitchins’ matchmaking. Several argued that omitting Keyshawn reinforced their belief that he is targeting the division’s biggest paydays rather than one of its highest-risk opponents.

Others pointed to the cancellation of his scheduled fight against Oscar Duarte on fight day earlier this year as another reason they remain unconvinced. Hitchins has an opportunity to change that perception on July 26, but first he must get past Salas in his welterweight debut.

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