Hearn floats Hitchins Smith unification as options narrow

According to Hearnpast issues were taken into account in this decision. DAZN selected other fighters for the card, including Keyshawn Davis, and Hitchins was cut from the roster. With that door closed for the moment, Hearn named Smith as an alternative.

Smith is now the WBC junior welterweight champion following his fifth-round stoppage of Subriel Matias at Barclays Center. The result was decisive, but the performance raised questions. Smith participated in more exchanges than expected, but still relied heavily on stalling and disruption to prevent Matias from building sustained momentum, an approach similar to how Liam Paro handled Matias in 2024.

This approach would be more difficult against Hitchins.

Hitchins fights from a distance and prioritizes ranged control. It is not easy to tie up and does not linger in exchanges. If Smith can’t slow him down inside, he’ll likely be pushed into a fight dictated by jabs and short shots from the outside. This is not where Smith has been most effective.

Timing also plays a role. The IBF is expected to act soon on Hitchins’ mandatory obligation to Lindolfo Delgado. A struggle for unification would override this requirement, giving the Smith option practical relevance beyond mere discussion.

Hitchins re-signed with Matchroom in December, removing a potential obstacle, although that alone does not mean a move towards a Smith fight. Hearn mentioned February 21 as a possible date for Hitchins’ return and suggested Hillsborough as a potential venue should a unification ever materialize.

This detail would be important. Hitchins would be traveling to a strong family environment for Smith, a factor that would need to be considered financially.

There were no negotiations between Hitchins and Smith. Historically, Hitchins has been selective in choosing his opponents, particularly when it came to titles and venues.