Keyshawn Davis’s path to securing the WBO championship depends on his close associate, Shakur Stevenson, triumphing over the 140-pound title holder, Teofimo Lopez, on January 31st. Stevenson has previously stated his intention to relinquish the WBO title, enabling his “kin” Keyshawn to claim it.
This scenario is precisely what Hitchins anticipates. Even then, Davis would still be required to earn the championship title; it’s not a mere token Stevenson can bestow upon him like a belated holiday gift. Keyshawn’s professional journey, though brief, has revealed moments of vulnerability. Consequently, facing an unsuitable challenger could jeopardize his aspirations.
Richardson Hitchins commented to YSM Sports Media, regarding the unfulfilled financial demands for a potential bout against Keyshawn Davis on January 31, 2026, stating, “This is a significant future contest. The compensation I sought wasn’t being offered. I also understood that the compensation he desired was similarly not being presented.”
Hitchins elaborated on the financial figures he and Keyshawn requested for their January 31st match, expressing, “In my opinion, the monetary amounts we put forward were quite modest, considering the caliber of the potential fight.”
Tim Bradley reported that Hitchins sought $2.5 million, whereas Keyshawn’s demand was $2 million. As Hitchins himself noted, the organizers were disinclined to meet their requested amounts.
The reasons are quite apparent. Davis’s lack of activity has hindered the development of his public profile, and his choice of opponents has not been sufficiently high-profile to bolster his standing. Furthermore, his decision to avoid a confrontation with Andy Cruz suggests a reluctance to engage in challenging contests.
Keyshawn’s failure to make weight for his WBO lightweight championship defense against Edwin De Los Santos on June 6, 2025, resulted in both the forfeiture of his title and the loss of the match.
Hitchins’s career progression has stalled due to his rejection of bouts against notable opponents such as Gary Antuanne Russell, Subriel Matias, and Ernesto Mercado. Had he faced and defeated these individuals, his public recognition would be considerably greater today.
Hitchins’s record includes only a few moderately recognized fighters: George Kambosos Jr., Liam Paro, Gustavo Lemos, and Jose Zepeda. This roster is no longer sufficient. While these matchups might have carried more weight four or five years ago, their significance has diminished in the present context.
For Richardson to achieve prominence in the 140-pound division by 2025, he must secure victories against competitors such as Gary Antuanne Russell, Frank Martin, Subriel Matias, Teofimo, Isaac Cruz, Ernesto Mercado, and Keyshawn.
Hitchins remarked, “He has not yet claimed a championship [at 140]. My sentiment is that if he competes and acquires a title, potentially leading to a unification match, it would substantially increase the financial stakes.”
Hitchins articulated his predictions, stating, “Shakur intends to relinquish the WBO championship, and I anticipate Tito Mercado will become the primary contender for that WBO title. Keyshawn currently holds the #1 ranking for the WBO. Therefore, it’s plausible they could face each other, and subsequently, Keyshawn and I could engage in a unification bout in 2026,” operating under the premise that Davis would triumph over Mercado.
Richardson is engaging in considerable speculation, banking on Keyshawn defeating Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado should the WBO title become available in 2026. Such a contest would require the approval of the notoriously discerning Keyshawn.
Considering his track record of carefully choosing his adversaries, it is uncertain whether he would consent to confront a formidable puncher possessing Mercado’s attributes of quickness, youth, and skill.
Furthermore, Mercado holds the #8 position in the WBO rankings. He would not be considered “next in succession” within the WBO’s hierarchy if the title is relinquished, even if Stevenson were to acquire it. The subsequent highest-ranked contender within the WBO’s top 15 for the 140-pound division is #2 Alfredo Santiago.
