Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos seeks a return to the 135lb throne this weekend but he has his work cut out for him as he faces the legendary Vasyl Lomachenko. However, ‘Ferocious’ by name and ferocious by nature, Kambosos seemed undeterred by the aura of his dance partner, issuing a warning to the pound-for-pound superstar that this could be his final outing.
‘Loma’ famously lost the WBA, IBF and WBO titles to Teofimo Lopez back in 2020 in a shock defeat, only for Kambosos to put an end to the reign of ‘The Takeover’ at the first time of asking – edging a split-decision win over Lopez thirteen months later.
Similarly, Kambosos was unable to hang on to the belts for more than one fight, as he squared up with Devin Haney in a undisputed title showdown for all four belts at the weight, losing a unanimous-decision despite being the home fighter, and losing again to Haney in their rematch which was also staged in Melbourne.
Kambosos returned to action to take on Maxi Hughes back in July where he claimed a controversial majority-decision over the Brit, and as a result he found himself well positioned with the IBF to challenge Lomachenko for the vacant belt, following Haney’s move up to the super-lightweight scene.
At the press conference, covered by Top Rank, Kambosos declared that he was more confident than ever and stated that Lomachenko has never seen ‘this kind of speed and explosive power’ irrespective of his 417 combined amateur and professional contests to date.
“We were slated to possibly fight in 2019 when the legendary Hall of Famer Bob Arum said that a young guy from Australia called George Kambosos could come up against the then-king Lomachenko.
“Things obviously did not happen. Then I become the champion and Lomachenko was chasing me. We were very close. But it wasn’t meant to be. But, third time is lucky, and Sunday is when we do our battle.
“I’m extremely confident. I bring that confidence from my preparation. I’ve had a tremendous training camp. The confidence is higher than ever. When I beat Lomachenko, there will be no more road for him to go. This is retirement for him.
“I truly believe it. The way I’m sparring. The speed that I have. He’s never seen this kind of speed and explosive power. The will and the heart that I have. The desire I have to win this fight. I want this bad. I’ve prepared extremely hard for this fight. I’ve left no stone unturned. So, Sunday, you will all see.”
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