Danny Garcia made his tenth, and perhaps final, appearance at his favorite boxing venue, the Barclays Center, a few hours ago. The former world champion’s farewell bout ended in style as he ousted a hapless Daniel Gonzalez in the fourth round. While fans and supporters reveled in his win, a ringside drama, however, quickly stole the spotlight. A friendly back-and-forth erupted when Richardson Hitchins, the IBF light welterweight champion, called out his colleague and the night’s commentator, Teofimo Lopez.

The exchange comes at a time when reports suggest that a mega fight between Teofimo Lopez and lightweight champion and longtime rival Shakur Stevenson could be on the cards early next year. Richardson Hitchins, who wrapped up George Kambosos Jr. earlier in June, has been looking for his next dance partner. A fight with Lopez, the WBO and Ring champion, would move him closer to title unification.

Richardson Hitchins puts Teofimo Lopez on notice at Barclays Center

ing Magazine shared footage of the mock showdown shortly afterward. “Richardson Hitchins and Teofimo Lopez going back and forth at Danny Garcia vs. Daniel Gonzalez tonight 👀,” the caption read. The clip begins with Hitchins, standing just outside the ringside barricade, shouting loudly. Given the blaring music and crowd noise, it’s hard to make out exactly what he said. But it appears he was telling Lopez Sr., the champion’s father, seated nearby, that they should forget about Shakur Stevenson. Instead, Teofimo Lopez should fight him.

Looking confident, the Brooklyn-born champion of Haitian heritage declared, “I’am gonna whoop him (Teo).” Lopez, focused on his commentary duties, largely remained a mute spectator, smiling as the playful exchange unfolded.

Banter aside, the callout inadvertently highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the 140-pound division. Soon after beating Kambosos Jr., Hitchins announced himself a free agent, as his contract with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, under whose banner he fought five times, had come to an end. Thus, things aren’t exactly looking encouraging for him at the moment.

On the other hand, Teofimo Lopez has managed to stay afloat, even if recent efforts to elevate his career to new heights have fallen short.

140 pounds on edge: Lopez-Stevenson clash sparks Hitchins question

After his second title defense last June, he returned on the May 2 Fatal Fury card and defeated Arnold Barboza Jr. in what turned out to be the night’s most convincing performance. What followed was a series of heated exchanges between Lopez and longtime rival Shakur Stevenson.

A recent build saw the duo taking potshots at each other. Aiming for a fourth title win, Stevenson stated, “Destiny is calling. I can feel it. Four-division champion.” Lopez quickly fired back, “I’m putting you to sleep for all the times you put your fans to sleep with your performances! Sorry a** motherf****r. I got a new nickname for you: Mr. Sandman.”

Stevenson, meanwhile, questioned Lopez’s record at 140, claiming he hadn’t faced any truly formidable opponents. Casting doubt on his stopping power, he mockingly changed his rival’s name from Teofimo to Teofima, adding, “Your time is up. I hope you enjoyed your run.”

Maybe not as intense, the Teofimo Lopez-Richardson Hitchins rivalry is also fairly well known.

If the Lopez-Stevenson fight gets finalized, Hitchins may instead turn his attention to a callout from WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell. Otherwise, he might have to wait for the outcome of Subriel Matias’ January 10 title defense against Dalton Smith.

Nonetheless, it goes without saying that after a brief lull, things are indeed heating up again in one of boxing’s most stacked divisions.

Should Teofimo Lopez accept Richardson Hitchins’ challenge first before taking on Shakur Stevenson?