Before he landed his first punch as a pro, Richardson Hitchins promised to become a world champion. He might be brash, brazen, and a bit bombastic but he’s also a prophet.

A few weeks before this past Christmas, Hitchins wrapped Liam Paro’s world title underneath his tree and gifted it to himself. If you thought he was confident before, his self-belief has reached a new level.

Walking around as a newly belted world champion is everything Hitchins thought it would be. He’s more recognized when he walks the streets and he’s certainly more talked about. But while he’s revered, he’s been hit with some criticism lately.

Prior to his showdown against Paro, Subriel Matias held the IBF super lightweight title. Hitchins, to his credit, fought his way to the number one contender spot. Although a collision course seemed inevitable, Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) never seemed overly anxious about jumping in there with him.

Scared? That would be an emphatic no from Hitchins. Concerned? Certainly.

Second-guessing his gumption had nothing to do with Matias (22-2, 22 KOs) and his deadly power. Instead, Hitchins grew weary of the IBF’s rules. Unless it’s a unification, the IBF mandates that any fighter fighting for its title undergo a second-day weigh-in, only allowing a wiggle room of 10 pounds.

Despite going on record with his uncomfortably, once Matias came up short against Paro, Hitchins quickly jumped in immediately after. Since then, the Brooklyn star believes that the critics are being unfair. He never claimed that he was unwilling to face Matias, he simply wasn’t in a rush considering the IBF’s rules.

Matias though, believes Hitchins deliberately went around him. Whether he’s erroneous or not is somewhat irrelevant as Matias has picked up two consecutive victories, moving him to the top spot for Hitchins’ title.

It’s an ironic and full-circle moment but it’s one that Hitchins’ isn’t shying away from. The 25-year-old isn’t looking for a reprieve or a soft touch for the first defense of his title. Ideally, he would like to unify the division but if that isn’t available to him, then bring on Matias.

“I’m not ducking no smoke,” said Hitchins to a group of reporters. “Subriel Matias, if he’s next he’s next.”