Promoter Eddie Hearn says Gary Antuanne Russell still lacks the profile needed to secure major fights at 140 pounds, including a potential unification bout with IBF champion Richardson Hitchins.
Speaking to KGTV, Hearn said the issue is not the quality of the matchup but its commercial upside. He argued that Russell, despite holding the WBA light welterweight title, has not yet reached a level of visibility that makes those fights viable from a business standpoint.
“You’ve got to look at the value of these fights, and you got to pay accordingly,” said Eddie Hearn. “Russell’s profile is not what it should be.”
Hearn added that Russell is expected to receive a stronger promotional push moving forward, with the aim of increasing his market appeal before revisiting bigger fights in the division.
“So Gary Russell needs to get that promotional push to make those big fights bigger,” Hearn said. “Right now, Hitchins–Gary Russell is a great fight, but how does it do on a business level?”
Hearn did not address whether the same concerns apply to Richardson Hitchins, who also holds a world title at 140 pounds but has yet to break through commercially. Hitchins has not developed a broad fan base and has limited recent exposure at the top level.
Hitchins was previously linked to a possible appearance on the January 31 undercard at Madison Square Garden but did not take part, with reports indicating financial terms were a sticking point in discussions for a fight against Keyshawn Davis.
For now, a unification bout between Hitchins and Gary Antuanne Russell remains off the table, with promotional and business considerations continuing to shape the landscape at 140 pounds.
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Last Updated on 12/29/2025
