Eddie Hearn Discusses Hitchins vs. Smith Unification as Options Diminish

Richardson Hitchins remains without a confirmed next fight, and his immediate position at junior welterweight is unresolved. Eddie Hearn has raised the idea of a unification fight with Dalton Smith, but only as a possibility rather than a plan in motion. What is confirmed is that Hitchins has no date or opponent secured. What has been suggested is a potential unification. What remains unclear is whether either side is preparing to pursue it.

Why Hitchins has no date

Hearn has said that discussions for Hitchins to face Oscar Duarte are incomplete and have not produced a confirmed slot. He also confirmed that DAZN decided against placing Hitchins on the January 31 card at Madison Square Garden. That decision removed the most immediate opportunity for activity and left Hitchins inactive at the start of the year.

With limited dates available, Hearn referenced Smith as a possible option. The comments did not include details of talks, offers, or timelines. They reflected the narrowing of practical choices rather than progress toward a specific fight.

Smith’s position and technical contrast

Smith recently won the WBC junior welterweight title with a fifth round stoppage of Subriel Matias at Barclays Center. The outcome was straightforward, though the manner of the win produced varied reactions. Smith applied steady pressure and worked at close range.

That approach would face challenges against Hitchins. Hitchins operates mainly at distance, relying on movement, positioning, and short scoring punches. He is difficult to tie up and does not spend long periods in exchanges. If Smith cannot close space consistently, control of the fight would likely come from the outside, where Smith has shown uneven results.

One ringside observer noted that Hitchins stayed near the ropes only briefly in his last outing, stepping away before sustained exchanges developed.

Mandatory issues and practical timing

There is also a regulatory angle. The IBF is expected to address Hitchins’ mandatory obligation to Lindolfo Delgado in the near term. A unification would take precedence under sanctioning rules, which gives the Smith discussion practical relevance beyond general talk.

Hitchins re-signed with Matchroom in December, removing a contractual barrier but not signaling movement toward a Smith fight. Hearn mentioned February 21 as a possible return date and referenced Hillsborough as a potential venue if a unification were ever agreed.

That location would place Hitchins in Smith’s home setting, a factor that would require financial adjustment. No negotiations have been reported, and Hitchins has previously taken a measured approach to opponent selection.

For now, the situation remains open, with several paths discussed but none confirmed.