Ryan Garcia is giving Keyshawn Davis and Richardson Hitchins little reason to expect a fight, dismissing their name recognition rather than discussing what either offers inside the ring. Both need a win that builds demand, because calling Ryan out gives him little financial incentive to face them.
“Who the f*** knows them?!” Ryan said to FightHype about Keyshawn Davis and Richardson Hitchins.
Ryan’s point is that neither has built much recognition among casual boxing fans. Their lack of fights against notable opponents has limited their exposure, leaving them asking for a lucrative fight without bringing a large audience of their own.
The commercial argument has some logic. A dangerous opponent who brings a limited audience can demand considerable preparation without generating the revenue of a more recognizable name. From Ryan’s perspective, taking that risk becomes less attractive when other opponents offer a larger event.
However, name recognition does not measure how competitive a fight would be. Keyshawn’s combination punching and Hitchins’ patient boxing present different challenges. Dismissing their drawing power leaves those sporting questions unanswered. Ryan could have a sound business reason to prefer another opponent while still passing over a demanding fight.
Beating a star is one of the quickest ways for a fighter to become known. Ryan’s argument leaves Keyshawn and Hitchins needing that kind of opportunity while their lack of popularity gives him a reason to refuse it. They could keep winning and still struggle to attract the audience he wants an opponent to bring.
Fighting each other would give Keyshawn and Hitchins a chance to strengthen their case. The winner would have a significant victory to offer, although the performance would help determine how much interest it generated. A cautious points win could add to his record without making a Ryan fight much easier to sell.
Keyshawn and Hitchins need a victory that makes people want to see them fight Ryan. Another callout is unlikely to change his thinking. Until either builds that demand, Ryan has a convenient business argument for passing over an opponent who could be difficult to beat.