By Elliot Raines: Richardson Hitchins says that he realized that Brian Norman Jr. is not on his level during their undated sparring session. He predicts that Devin Haney will defeat Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) to dethrone him of his WBO welterweight title this month on November 22nd in their chief support fight in Riyadh.
Haney Amplifies Hitchins’ Claims on X
Haney amplified a Hitchins interview today on X in which he bragged about his success sparring with Hitchins, talked up his 2016 Olympic experience, and predicted that he “can’t beat Devin”. He also repeatedly said that Norman Jr. “isn’t on my level.”
How Hitchins Ended Up on Haiti’s 2016 Team
What was interesting about the interview was how the Brooklyn, New York-born Hitchins boasted about his participation in the 2016 Olympics. What he left out in his how took part. He was beaten by Gary Antuanne Russell during the U.S Olympic trials and failed to make the team. Hitchins then switched over to Haiti and made it on their team, which was significantly weaker than the U.S. during the 2016 Olympics.
So, Hitchins did compete in the Olympics that year, but he had to join a weaker team to make it because Gary Antuanne Russell had eliminated him. That was the first of four losses that Hitchins suffered at the hands of Russell, who owned him in the amateur ranks with a perfect 4-0 record.
Some fans would argue that Gary Antuanne’s domination of Hitchins is the sole reason why he has shown no interest in fighting him for a unification at 140. It’s a natural fight to make, given that both fighters hold world titles at light welterweight. Hitchins, however, hasn’t shown any ambition to face Russell. Now, why is that?
“The sparring, he was not on my level. He was strong. You could tell he was strong with natural ability and quick reactions. But as far as boxing skills, it wasn’t a puzzle for me. It wasn’t nothing to find out,” said Richardson Hitchins to the 10-8 podcast, talking about his sparring with Brian Norman Jr.
“Atlanta, Georgia, isn’t a big boxing city. Brian Norman’s not a guy that I heard about in the amateurs. You could tell he’s a dedicated fighter to his craft. But when it comes to natural abilities with the pedigree that I got being in the Olympics, being around guys like Shakur since I was a young kid, facing guys like ‘Boots’ and Gary [Anguanne Russell], it was a whole different level [than Norman Jr.].
Amateur Record Tells a Different Story
Hitchins’ record as an amateur was a lowly 37-12 compared to Brian Norman Jr’s 12-1. The difference is that Norman Jr. chose to turn pro after two years in the amateurs in 2016 – 2017. Richardson stayed in the amateurs for three years from 2013 to 2016.
Notable Fighters Hitchins Lost to the Amateurs
- Gary Antuanne Russell: X 4
- Jaron Ennis x 2
- Vergil Ortiz Jr
- Jamaine Ortiz
- Abraham Nova
- Pat McCormack
Hitchins never beat any notable fighters during his amateur career. He lost all the notable fighters he faced, and his wins came against obscure fighters exclusively.
“You could tell that he’s just not on that level. You could see it in his previous fights, and you’re going to see it [against Haney]. I got a lot to say about Devin Haney, but I really don’t think Brian Norman is on that level. Just because his daddy is talking s***, I got to tell the truth. No, you can’t beat Devin Haney,” said Hitchins.
It would be helpful if Hitchins mentioned when he sparred Norman Jr. Given his age, 28, compared to the 24-year-old Norman Jr., it would be interesting to know if the sparring occurred when Brian Jr. was a teenager.
“You Can’t Beat Devin Haney,” Says Hitchins
“At first, I was cool with Brian Norman Jr. ‘I think you can beat Devin Haney.’ Now since your dad is talking, I ain’t going to like. You can’t beat Devin Haney. So, now he’s got to shut me up. I’m betting on you, Devin. You better beat [Norman Jr.],” said Hitchins.
Elliot Raines has covered British and European boxing since 2010. Known for his sharp pen and low tolerance for hype, Raines dissects the sport’s politics, promoters, and paper champions with dry precision.