Given the confined number of dates, Hearn mentioned Smith as a possible option. The comments did not provide details of the talks, offers or schedule. They reflected a narrowing of practical choices rather than progress toward a specific struggle.
Smith’s position and technical contrast
Smith recently won the WBC junior welterweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of Subriel Matias at the Barclays Center. The result was uncomplicated, although the manner of victory sparked mixed reactions. Smith applied constant pressure and worked from close range.
This approach would pose challenges to Hitchins. Hitchins works mainly from a distance, relying on movement, positioning and miniature, focused punches. He is arduous to tie down and does not spend long periods in exchanges. If Smith cannot consistently close down space, control of the fight will likely come from the outside, where Smith has shown inconsistent results.
One ringside observer noted that Hitchins only stayed near the ropes for a moment during his last outing, pulling away before a sustained exchange developed.
Mandatory topics and practical schedule
There is also a regulatory aspect. The IBF is expected to resolve the issue of Hitchins’ mandatory commitments to Lindolfo Delgado in the near future. Reunification would have priority under sanctions laws, giving Smith’s discussion practical significance beyond general discussions.
Hitchins re-signed with Matchroom in December, removing a contractual barrier but not signaling a move towards fighting Smith. Hearn mentioned February 21 as a possible return date and mentioned Hillsborough as a potential venue if reunification was ever agreed.
Such a location would place Hitchins in Smith’s residence, requiring a financial adjustment. No negotiations have been reported and Hitchins has already taken a measured approach to choosing an opponent.
For now, the situation remains open – several paths have been discussed, but none have been confirmed.
Dan Ambrose was the main voice in Boxing News 24 known for years for its sensible approach to sport. You can love him or hate him. Dan has developed a mighty fan base for his truthful analysis, direct opinions and in-depth coverage of the global boxing scene.
His articles often spark discussions among fans because he is not afraid to challenge popular narratives or question players’ performances. In addition to opinions, Dan provides fight news, previews, and post-fight analysis that provide readers with both detail and perspective.
David Benavidez’s move up to heavyweight no longer sounds like a fantasy after trainer Robert Garcia openly predicted victories over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder while discussing Benavidez’s future following his dominant win over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.
Robert said Benavidez already has the style and hand speed to cause trouble for boxing’s biggest names if he ultimately decides to move up.
“I think Benavidez beats all three,” Garcia told Fino Boxing as Fury, Joshua and Wilder were raised as potential future opponents. “They are ponderous compared to Benavidez. They won’t even have a chance to throw a punch. Before Ben hits them 20 times.”
Garcia admitted that Fury would still have the hardest task due to his size, but he still supported Benavidez, who was going to break him with a powerful punch.
“I think the hardest one would have to be Fury because the weight is hefty. It’s challenging,” Garcia said. “But even then, if he has his hand on Benavidez, Benavidez will throw those 20-punch combinations to the body and that’s it. That’s it.”
Robert’s comments came after Benavidez stopped Ramirez in a performance that sparked debate about how far the undefeated star can go after already winning the super middleweight and cruiserweight titles. Garcia said he still wants Benavidez to spend more time at cruiserweight before making the full move to heavyweight.
“I think he could fight at heavyweight,” Garcia said. “But I would say two years, a year and a half, three more cruiserweight fights and then I’ll move up to heavyweight.”
Garcia also mentioned Andy Ruiz Jr., Richard Torrez Jr., Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev as potential future opponents when discussing Benavidez’s future path.
Tomek Galm is a boxing journalist covering the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends and fighter psychology.
Jake Paul’s claim that he found $200 million specifically for a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez sparked a direct response from the Mexican champion.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer was scheduled to collide with Canelo in May 2025, but Turki Alalshikh stepped in and signed the then super middleweight king to a multi-fight contract.
It made Alvarez a two-time undisputed champion against William Scull before losing his four major titles in a unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford last September.
However, since Crawford announced his retirement and vacated the belts, Canelo is scheduled to fight for the world title in September this year in Riyad, Saudi Arabia.
The most likely opponent seems to be WBC champion Christian Mbilli, who is coming off a fascinating draw with Lester Martinez on the Canelo-Crawford card.
However, despite this plan, Paul appears to be trying to get back into his game with the 35-year-old, insisting that a $200 million purse remains up for grabs.
The 29-year-old revealed the news on a live broadcast earlier this week, suggesting it is the “biggest fight” in boxing.
“Canelo, I have $200 million for you. Uncomplicated money. Jake Paul vs. Canelo – let’s finish it. This is what the fans have been waiting for; this is the biggest fight you can have in boxing. I think this will be the next fight.
Jake Paul just said Canelo Alvarez will be his next fight and he will pay him $200 million 🤯
“This is the biggest fight you can have in boxing. Jake Paul vs. Canelo. Official.” pic.twitter.com/QJRLuPjO9r
Jake Paul responded to Canelo Alvarez after the undisputed super middleweight champion previously reacted to talk of a potential fight between the two with laughing emojis on social media.
While greeting fans and media during a public appearance this week, Jake was asked what financial terms he believed would be needed to make the fight happen.
“Yes, 200 [million] for him 300[millionformeWe’llfinalizethedealEasywork”-PaulsaidintheinterviewwithFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealCanelo[millionformeWe’llgetthedealdoneEasywork”saidPaultoFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealwithCanelo[milionówdlamnieSfinalizujemytransakcjęŁatwapraca”–powiedziałPaulwrozmowiezFightHubTVzapytanyomożliwąumowęzCanelo[millionformeWe’llgetthedealdoneEasywork”saidPaultoFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealwithCanelo
The comment immediately drew attention due to the huge figure associated with the fight. Jake has continued to call for a fight with Canelo over the past year, despite criticism from many boxing fans and fighters who viewed the fight as unrealistic.
Jake was then asked about Canelo and responded with laughing emojis when the topic of a fight between the two came up online.
“I don’t know what that means, but he won’t laugh when I kick his ass,” Paul said.
The rivalry between the two continues to escalate publicly through interviews and exchanges on social media, even though no official negotiations have been announced.
Jake has mentioned Canelo multiple times in interviews over the past year, keeping the possibility of a future fight circulating despite widespread skepticism in boxing circles.
Canelo is currently scheduled to face Christian Mbilli later this year in Riyad, Saudi Arabia, while Jake continues to rehabilitate from injuries suffered in his December 2025 fight against Anthony Joshua.
Tomek Galm is a boxing journalist covering the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends and fighter psychology.
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