Gary Antuanne Russell Confirms Negotiations with Hitchins for Year-End Unification

WBA light welterweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell revealed that he’s in “negotiations” for a unification fight against IBF champ Richardson Hitchins in a fight that he says could happen before the end of the year.

Antuanne Russell and Hitchins Unification

Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) wants Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) not to “run” away from the fight. It’s a risky one for Hitchins to take, because Russell is a far better fighter than the one Richardson recently had against George Kambosos Jr. on June 14th.

Hitchins made a big deal of his victory over Kambosos, believing his eighth-round knockout win made him a household name. It sounded deluded on his part.

Antuanne Russell defeated Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela by a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision on March 1st in Brooklyn, New York.

Unification Before Year-End

“Negotiations right now. I’m looking to unify. There are only so many people with titles out there. Don’t run. It’s possible,” said Gary Antuanne Russell to BoxingScene when asked if IBF light welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins is the guy that he’s looking to fight next.

For Hitchins to take the fight, he’s got to be sold on himself after his wins over Kambosos Jr. and Liam Paro. It’s not a fight that he would have a good shot of winning.

It’s unknown who Richardson’s promoter will be for the fight. He announced that he was a free agent after his win over Kambosos. The way he revealed it, he may have expected that there would be a stampede of interest from other promoters or Turki Alalshikh.

“He’s been talking a little bit of trash. Even s*** talking a little bit. So, I want to put that to the test. Bring that my way.  I would want it to happen before the end of the year. Close the year out with getting another title,” said Russell. “He’s got belief in himself, but as far as skillset. There’s no change. I don’t think he possesses what I possess.