The complication is timing. Hitchins is already under pressure from the IBF, which has moved to enforce a mandatory defense against unbeaten contender Lindolfo Delgado. The sanctioning body had previously issued a premature order that Hitchins successfully appealed, creating a short voluntary window. That window is now closing.
Matchroom head Eddie Hearn has acknowledged that the IBF has reissued the order for Hitchins Delgado, putting the champion on the clock. Once the timeline is formalized, Hitchins will either have to face Delgado or risk losing the title.
That context is what makes the Duarte talks notable. Duarte is not the mandatory. He represents a voluntary option that could be finalized quickly if money and logistics align. From a business standpoint, the fight makes sense. Duarte is durable, experienced, and carries a strong Mexican fan base. He is also coming off a long period of inactivity, which lowers the risk for a champion looking to stay busy.
Fan reaction online has been skeptical. Many view the Duarte discussion as an attempt to delay tougher assignments, especially with Delgado waiting. Hitchins has not helped that perception with public trash talk aimed at other contenders while avoiding clear mandatory commitments.
Delgado earned his position through a disputed split decision win over Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela in November. The controversy did not change the outcome. The IBF recognizes Delgado as next, regardless of opinion.
This is how these situations usually play out. Promoters explore a voluntary while the mandatory paperwork advances in parallel. If the voluntary comes together fast enough, it happens. If not, the mandatory becomes unavoidable.
At this point, the Duarte talks look like a last move before the door closes. If they fail, Hitchins has no remaining flexibility. The belt will force his hand, and Delgado is waiting.
From the outside, it feels like a champion trying to buy time when time is no longer available.
