The contract of Richardson Hitchins with Matchroom has expired according to his post-match interview following his June 14th title defense against George Kambosos Jr, but whether he will be able to shop his name with other promotions for more profit seems very unlikely as Turki Alalshikh appears dead set on keeping Hitchins at Matchroom.
With his first world title defense completed, Richardson Hitchins (20-0, 8 KO’s) value has increased given his grasp over the IBF super lightweight (140 lbs) title.
Following his victory over George Kambosos Jr. this past weekend, Hitchins might very well be one of the most sought after boxers due to his status as world champion and talent, but Matchroom’s chairman, Eddie Hearn and The Ring owner Turki Alalshikh appear unwilling to see him fight for any other promotion.
In a recent interview with IFL TV, Hearn appeared displeased with Hitchins’ revelation of becoming a free agent, having signed the American fighter to his stable since 2022 and helped turn Hitchins into a world champion after three years of shaping him from his status as a prospect.
”Yeah I did feel disrespected by [Hitchins’ comments], because it’s not him,” said Hearn.
“It’s just dogs around him that put things [in his head]. I mean there’s no loyalty in boxing ― you got to look after yourself. But when someone has come in, when you were on the floor, and I remember the first time I met Richardson Hitchins ― the door of his car was falling off. And to be honest, I’ve spent a lot of money and invested in a young man that I really respect and admire.
“I’ve [booked] him at Madison Square Garden [theater]. I’ve headlined him in Orlando, when we really didn’t sell any tickets and we lost a lot of money. I kept with it, I headlined him in Las Vegas ― where again we didn’t sell many tickets and we lost money. Then, I paid for him to get the opportunity to fight Liam Paro for a world title. Then I paid up for a big opponent in George Kambosos Jr, paid up for the big homecoming in New York.
“But Richardson is a very good kid. He’s just got some snakes around him, and those snakes will make you feel like they’re your guy. But the reality is they’re bloodsuckers who actually, certain individuals, take a bigger percentage or the same percentage as the promoter that’s bankrolling you, and paying for your entire path in the sport ― and making the investment.
“Managers have zero risk. They just let the promoter do all the work. Having a manager is good for your career, but they just let the promoter do all the work, make the investment, risk the money and then after the fight go, ‘Thank you very much. Pay me for a couple of phone calls’.”
Perhaps due to sympathy with Hearn’s concerns, Alalshikh has apparently indicated his wishes to retain Hitchins at Matchroom.
”I had a heartwarming call from Turki Alalshikh this morning, who confirmed he will only deal with Matchroom moving forward on Richardson Hitchins. So we will begin those discussions.” Hearn further told The Ring this past Sunday.
With Turki Alalshikh having become an important mediator for fighters looking to earn fairer wages, by featuring them on the notable The Ring and Riyadh Season fight cards, Hearn’s revelation of the Saudi businessman only being willing to work with Matchroom for contract discussions with Richardson Hitchins sets a clear standard: he would prefer Hitchins to re-sign with Matchroom.
Though there are plenty of other promotions connected to Alalshikh alongside The Ring and Riyadh Season events, this potentially means Hitchins would not be participate in any of those cards if he’d sign with the promotion, inadvertently putting Hitchins’ own career in jeopardy while at the same time stifling other promotions.
Alalshikh’s reasoning, though arbitrary, might not seem entirely out of place given Matchroom has invested in Richardson Hitchins to help him become a full-fledged world champion ― indicating the partnership between the two parties has been nothing short but beneficial and profitable.
However, concurrently, Alalshikh’s intentions are clearly overreaching as fighters and promotions both should be free to negotiate without limitations barring them the free agent from rightfully competing and earning. Hearn’s claims of Alalshikh not being interested in making any deals [in conjunction with The Ring or Riyadh Season events] with Richardson Hitchins if he were with another promotion says a lot about the close connection between Matchroom and the Saudi chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).
While Turki Alalshikh might have the best intentions towards Hitchins’ career, who arguably has reached the best portions of his career with Matchroom thus far, it is telling that both Hitchins and other promotions would be restricted in such a manner.
Notably, Alalshikh’s reported motivations follow not long after he declared to pursue the means to restrict boxers’ movements in the ring, attributed to the belief too many fighters are “running” rather than fighting.
It signifies Alalshikh’s position in boxing, both as a benefactor and as someone who could best be construed as a dictator.
