A lot of the criticism traces back to February 21, when Hitchins’ scheduled fight with Oscar Duarte was scrapped on fight day under circumstances that many fans still view as strange. That episode already damaged goodwill. Monday’s announcement reopened it.
Supporters of rivals also pointed to the names Hitchins did not fight at 140. Keyshawn Davis, Ernesto Mercado, and Gary Antuanne Russell were all mentioned repeatedly by fans who believe Hitchins left the division before settling the strongest challenges available.
The common theory is that this move is about money more than legacy. Welterweight offers possible future business with bigger commercial names such as Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Conor Benn, all of whom carry larger event value than most of the contenders at 140.
It definitely seems like Hitchins is looking for the green belt of the financial variety. While moving up is often presented as a quest for “legacy” or “two-division glory,” the timing and the names involved suggest he’s chasing the massive revenue that follows the Big 3 at 147.
The welterweight division is currently home to the biggest commercial draws outside of the heavyweight scene.
At 140, Hitchins was stuck in a bad position. Fighters like Ernesto Mercado and Gary Antuanne Russell are talented boogeymen who bring massive risk without the pay-per-view upside. By jumping to 147, Hitchins can bypass these dangerous contenders under the guise of moving for greatness while actually positioning himself for the Conor Benn or Ryan Garcia sweepstakes.
For years, Hitchins used his large frame to his advantage at junior welterweight. However, the weight cut was clearly becoming a struggle, especially after the February 21 Duarte debacle.
Moving up allows him to stop draining and potentially preserve his chin for the harder punchers at welterweight, all while keeping his eyes on the prize: a massive payday that simply wasn’t coming at 140.
Ultimately, the bigger money fights appear to be the primary motivator. At 147, the water is deeper, but the gold at the bottom is much shinier.
There is also a practical side. Hitchins has long carried a reputation as a weight bully because of his size advantage in the division. Many believe he should have moved to welterweight years ago instead of draining down and using natural dimensions against smaller opponents.
Now he gets what he asked for. At 147, the size edge shrinks, the punchers hit harder, and the criticism will not disappear unless the names get better.
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