“I’m a Canelo fan, but I used to be a huge fan till I realized I’m better at boxing than him, but he’s a hell of a fighter!” Hitchins wrote on X.

The remark is likely to divide boxing fans because Hitchins has yet to build a resume comparable to Canelo’s. His best victory is widely considered to be former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr., and he withdrew from what many viewed as his toughest scheduled fight against Oscar Duarte earlier this year. The bout was never rescheduled.

Although Canelo has drawn criticism for some of his recent opponents, he has spent nearly two decades fighting elite competition and owns victories over numerous world champions and future Hall of Famers. Hitchins has shown outstanding technical ability, but many fans are likely to want to see him defeat more top-level opponents before agreeing with his assessment.

Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs), the former IBF light welterweight champion, returns on July 26 to face George Salas in a welterweight bout at Madison Square Garden on Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural card.

Shortly after comparing himself to Canelo, Hitchins also turned his attention to potential future opponents, saying he would pursue Oscar Duarte or Frank Martin after the Salas fight. Martin fired back by writing, “I will f*** you up,” prompting Hitchins to respond, “No you won’t Frank,” said Hitchins on X.