Tensions are boiling over ahead of the upcoming clash involving Richardson Hitchins, and things nearly spiraled out of control at the pre-fight press conference. What was supposed to be a routine face-off quickly erupted into a near brawl, with heated words, security stepping in, and the camps of Bill Haney and Jim Kambosos exchanging verbal jabs that stole the spotlight.

Here’s a full breakdown of what went down — and what both Bill Haney and Jim Kambosos had to say following the chaos.

What Happened at the Press Conference

The scene started out intense from the moment the fighters took the stage. Hitchins, known for his sharp tongue and icy demeanor, wasted no time getting under the skin of his opponent. But things escalated fast when members of both camps got involved in the back-and-forth.

At one point, security had to physically separate the teams as things nearly turned physical. Cameras caught shouting matches between trainers, entourages, and even promotional staff trying to calm the situation. The tension was more than just hype — this was personal.

Bill Haney: “This Ain’t Just Promotion. This is Real.”

Bill Haney, father and trainer of undisputed lightweight champ Devin Haney, didn’t hold back after the dust settled. Haney has always been known for his straight-shooting style, and this time was no different:

“People think this is just hype to sell the fight. Let me tell you — this ain’t scripted. What happened up there was real. These boys don’t like each other. It’s not about belts anymore; it’s about pride and respect.”

Haney also took a few subtle shots at Jim Kambosos, questioning the professionalism and control in the opposing camp:

“You gotta know how to handle your people. If you can’t control the corner now, how you gonna handle the storm in the ring?”

Jim Kambosos: “We’re Not Backing Down — from Anyone.”

On the other side, Jim Kambosos, father and manager of former unified champion George Kambosos Jr., fired right back at Haney’s comments. Calm but firm, Kambosos made it clear his team won’t be bullied:

“They talk a lot, but talk is cheap. We’re not backing down from anyone. Hitchins or whoever — they’ll feel it when the bell rings.”

When asked about the chaos at the press conference, Kambosos shrugged it off:

“Emotions run high. That’s the fight game. But let’s not pretend like they didn’t want the smoke. Our guys came ready. Period.”

What This Means for the Fight

The raw intensity seen at the press conference suggests this bout could be more volatile than expected. Hitchins may have poked a bear, and the Kambosos team is not known for backing off — just ask Teofimo Lopez.

There’s now even more on the line than just a win:

Respect

Bragging rights

And possible future title implications

This could set the tone for not just this event — but for a future showdown with big names in the 140 lb division.

Final Thoughts

Boxing needs real rivalries, and this one just got personal. The near brawl may have been broken up by security, but the real explosion is still to come — inside the ring. And if the camps of Bill Haney and Jim Kambosos have anything to say about it, fight night could be pure fireworks.