Sean McComb sends out warning to world champion Richardson Hitchins
Sean McComb eyes a crack at the world title after winning the IBF European super-lightweight crown
Newly crowned IBF European super-lightweight champion, Sean McComb, has issued a warning to Richardson Hitchins that his reign as world champion is nearing its end.
The Belfast-based boxer made this bold statement after defeating Ben Crocker of Wales in a gruelling 12-round match in Sheffield last month.
The victory that is set to rejuvenate a career that seemed to be stalling after a contentious loss to Arnold Barboza Jr at New York's Barclay Centre, with McComb putting Hitchins on alert.
"I believe I can get to the very top," the Northern Irishman confided to SportsBoom.co.uk.
"The obvious route to get there is to look at who's the IBF champion and that's Hitchins. That's who I'm looking for.
"I'll take on anyone but I'm going to be well-ranked with the IBF now and so that's the obvious one, isn't it. People won't be able to deny me any more now. That ranking is only going to get better again so that's the one I think is going to happen.
"I want big fights now. I don't want to be hanging around and I don't think I should be, because I've proved I'm worthy of them. Everyone knows it now.
"Richardson is obviously a quality fighter," McComb added.
"So am I. Doing this, getting this belt, just confirms that for everyone else. I always knew it but, let's be honest, this reinforces that in my mind.
"So, genuinely, I think it's going to make me even better. It's going to make me more complete. It's all about kicking on from here, now. I know I can do that."
The victory against Crocker, whom McComb branded as being "a much tougher opponent" than Barboza Jr, should serve as the springboard for a string of high-profile and money-spinning fights for the 33-year-old.
Despite a solid amateur background that saw him claim bronze at the 2015 European Games, this success didn't convert into the same chances that others with similar credentials have received upon turning professional.
Following his recovery from defeat to Gavin Gwynne, seven consecutive wins earned McComb a showdown with the previously undefeated Barboza Jr, who subsequently defeated Jack Catterall in a WBO world title eliminator.
Though many spectators in America believed McComb had secured victory, two of the three officials instead awarded the bout to the Mexican/American fighter.
Nevertheless, the valuable experience gained from competing against such elite opposition proved vital during a captivating tactical battle with Crocker.
"Ben really surprised me," McComb said. "I never thought he'd come in and try to counter-punch me, so I had to think my way through.
"It was a tactical fight and that's something I've been able to build up, that tactical knowledge, thanks to what I've done and my brilliant team who prepared me so well.
"That's another reason why I've got so much confidence in me now," McComb continued, heaping praise on trainer Pete Taylor and his coaching team.
"I'm in there doing it, throwing the punches. It's a lonely, individual sport but I know they've got my back in there and we're a real team. So that feels good. That's a massive positive."
With Hitchins, who remains unbeaten, expected to return to the ring early next year, McComb is already planning his approach towards the Brooklyn boxer.
"I'm going to have another big fight coming up, that's already in the pipeline which is great to know," he revealed. "Then, I'll be looking at Hitchins around this time next year, maybe November or something.
"Before, I didn't know when I'd be out there next, which didn't help. Now, I already knew I had a date before this one.
"I knew I couldn't overlook Ben but that's given me real focus too, because I can see it all coming together."