Eddie Hearn Confirms Negotiations for Potential Teofimo Lopez vs Richardson Hitchins Bout at Alcatraz

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that discussions are underway for a potential bout between Teofimo Lopez and Richardson Hitchins, with the possibility of it taking place at the iconic Alcatraz Prison this summer.

The unique venue proposal came from boxing influencer Turki Alalshikh, who expressed interest in having Lopez headline an event at the former prison turned tourist attraction in California. This unconventional setting could host a clash between IBF super-lightweight champion Hitchins and WBO titleholder Lopez in an all-Brooklyn showdown.

However, it’s unlikely to be a unification bout, as Lopez is expected to face a mandatory challenger next. The WBO will likely order him to defend against the winner of the Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza interim title fight. Despite this, Lopez has shown more interest in facing Hitchins.

Hitchins, who claimed his IBF title with a victory over Liam Paro last December, now stands on the brink of a career-defining opportunity. Hearn stated, “We’ll be discussing Richardson Hitchins, who’s with Matchroom, potentially facing Lopez next week. June is the targeted date.”

While Hitchins is firmly aligned with Matchroom, Lopez’s promotional situation remains unclear. The former lightweight champion has indicated on social media that he wishes to end his partnership with Top Rank. However, with both fighters sharing the same manager in Keith Connolly, there’s optimism that an agreement can be reached in the coming weeks.

This potential matchup at Alcatraz represents not only a clash between two talented boxers but also an innovative approach to venue selection in the sport. As negotiations progress, boxing fans eagerly await further details on this intriguing prospect.