Keyshawn Davis and Richardson Hitchins agree to a 2026 showdown

Davis to come out of retirement to challenge the 140-pound champion after sparring allegations

Following a Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson press conference, Northolt’s Keyshawn Davis (14-0-1, 9KOs) came head-to-head with IBF super lightweight world champion, Richardson Hitchins (20-0, 8KOs), where they exchanged harsh words, promising a fight between the two in 2026 despite Davis being retired.

Keyshawn Davis retired from boxing in 2024 after his fight fell through with Edwin De los Santos due to the Northolt boxer failing to make the 135-pound weight limit. Davis was also involved in a backstage brawl following his brother’s fight the day after. 

Despite the turn of events, the announcement was unexpected, as the American was a rising prospect with a promising future, frequently linked to authoritative figures like Teofimo Lopez, Gervonta Davis and recently, Richardson Hitchins during an intense clash.

Matchroom promoter, Eddie Hearn hinted at a fight date and told FightHype during the clash: “there were talks about this fight happening on January 31st this is a big money fight that can stand on its own”.

Rumours involving Keyshawn Davis and Hitchins previous sparring were also mentioned during the exchange, after Davis said he would KO the Brooklyn boxer.

Mr Africa told FightHype: “I was beating you up since you were a kid. The first time I sparred Keyshawn, I told Shakur he was a little pup”.

He added: “We sparred and I beat him up”.

Hitchins also claimed that Davis was dropped in sparring

Keyshawn denied all statements.

The former Olympian told FightHype: “At the end of the day we are going to fight next year, I’m going to take your belt because you know you are not better than me”.

He added: “Next year, 2026, I’m f----ng your boy up”.

Despite both parties agreeing to fight next year, an exact date has not been verbally confirmed by any of the fighters.