Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that there have been talks between Turki Al Sheikh and lightweight champions Richardson Hitchens and Teofimo Lopez in a unification fight at 140. He will defeat Teofimo (21-1, 13 KOS) for the WBO belt next.
Teofimo has reportedly signed a triple deal with Turk for these three bouts:
- Richardson Hitchens
- Jaron Ennis
- Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney 2 or loser (most likely loser)
Hearn confirms the talks
“Yes, he was there. Not with a higher rank, but with His Excellency (Turki Sheikh),” Eddie Hearn said. Vent When asked if there were discussions about a unification fight between Richardson Hitchens and Teofimo Lopez.
“Keith Connolly represents both players. So, we're ready for this fight. Richardson is ready to jump into a unification fight right off the bat. The deal has to be right, but no problem. This is a great fight for New York, TEO vs. Hitchens, and we win this Fight well.
“So, forget about Teofimo Lopez's plans. Richardson Hitchins will beat Teofimo Lopez. So, we are ready for this fight. Before Teofimo, we were only planning to fight George Kambosos in New York in the summer,” said Hearn when asked what's next for Hitchins.
Hearn is right. Hitchins will 100% beat Teofimo and make it look easy in the process. This would be an easier victory for Hitchins than his dominant win over IBF 140lb champion Liam Paro on December 7. If Turki wants Teofimo to take three tough fights as part of his contract, he will lose them all, starting with Richardson.
Teofimo Hitchins won't fight unless Turki Al-Sheikh offers a boatload of money because that's not his style to get tough fights, especially after getting burned in his matches against Jamaine Ortiz, Sandor Martin, and George Kambosos Jr.
Kambosos's fading hopes
George will come back. He will return to Australia, then the plan is to transfer him directly to Hitchins Richardson. If Hitchens fights Lopez, we'll see what happens, but George takes a shot at 147, and we'll see what happens.”
Nobody wants to see Kambosos Jr. Be the one to take Hitchins for his IBF belt because he doesn't measure up to a world title with his terrible record the last three years. Heading into Journeyman mode, Kambosos is not measuring up for a title shot with his 1-3 record in his last four fights. You don't go to a championship game with that kind of record in any other sport.
