Richardson Hitchins voluntary window closes quickly

Hitchins, the undefeated IBF junior welterweight titleholder, found himself in a tough position after being pulled from the Jan. 31 card at Madison Square Garden. He had been linked to a fight with Jamaine Ortiz on the undercard of the Teofimo Lopez–Shakur Stevenson event. Once the show was finalized, Hitchins was no longer a part of it. Ortiz has moved on. Hitchins didn’t.

The rest of the division is completed:

• Teofimo Lopez Jr. has already committed to Shakur Stevenson.
• Subriel Matias is linked to Dalton Smith and then to Alberto Puello.
• Gary Antuanne Russell has his own attorney.

This leaves Hitchins alone, holding a belt with nowhere to go.

The name that appeared is Frank Martinafter a solid stoppage victory against Rances Barthelemy. It’s a sensible fight. This is also, for the moment, not a serious question. Martin is not ranked in the IBF’s top fifteen, meaning the fight can only be sanctioned if the rules are changed or the situation changes quickly.

Beyond that, the options quickly dwindle. IBF mandatory challenger Lindolfo Delgado awaits. The decision that elevated him was widely contested. This doesn’t matter to the IBF. What matters is respect.

Once the formal notice is issued, Hitchins will fight Delgado or risk losing the title that created this window in the first place. There is no third way.

This moment says more about Hitchins’ position than his last defense. Champions with sweater dictate terms. Champions without this are waiting for letters.