ACCORDING to Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, discussions for a mooted clash between Teofimo Lopez and Richardson Hitchins are set to accelerate in the coming days.
In an interview with ESPN journalist Mike Coppinger, boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh revealed last week that he is keen for Lopez, 21-1 (13 KOs), to headline a card at Alcatraz Prison this summer.
The California tourist destination, though far from the most conventional boxing venue, could see IBF super-lightweight titlist Hitchins, 19-0 (7 KOs), collide with ‘The Takeover’ in an all-Brooklyn dustup.
But while Lopez, too, holds a major belt at 140lbs, it is highly unlikely that their possible matchup will be a unification.
This is because the 27-year-old will be ordered to make a mandatory defence of his crown against the winner of Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza’s WBO interim title fight tomorrow evening.
Lopez, however, has expressed little interest in facing either contender, opting to set his sights on Hitchins instead.
The 27-year-old dethroned Liam Paro to claim his IBF strap last December, producing a defensively responsible performance to edge what should have been a comprehensive victory on points.
But now, it would appear that Hitchins is on the verge of securing a monumental opportunity.
“As I understand it, Richardson Hitchins, who’s obviously with us [Matchroom], [could face Lopez],” Hearn told Boxing News’ Andi Purewal.
“We’ll talk next week about that. June I think is the date [for Lopez].”
While Hitchins is firmly with Matchroom, Lopez’s promotional situation still remains somewhat unclear.
The former lightweight king has, after all, made it known through his social media activity that he no longer wishes to extend his working relationship with Top Rank.
But with both Lopez and Hitchins being represented by the same manager in Keith Connolly, perhaps a deal can nonetheless be reached over the next few weeks.
