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WBA, WBO, IBF and WBC Franchise lightweight champion George ‘Ferocious’ Kambosos Jr 20-0 (10) could end up facing Ryan Garcia 21-0 (18) in his first title defence rather than Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney 27-0 (15).
The 28-year-old Kambosos from Sydney, Australia won the belts from Teofimo ‘The Takeover’ Lopez 16-1 (12) at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden in November last year.
Brooklyn’s Lopez, 24, was dropped by a counter right hand in the opening round but returned the favour in the 10th frame when he sent the challenger to the deck.
But Kambosos had already built a comfortable lead and rallied in the championship rounds to win a split decision by scores of 115-112, 115-111 and a dissenting 113-114.
The unified champion is now looking forward to an inaugural defence in his home country. The names being mentioned are Ukrainian southpaw Vasiliy Lomachenko 16-2 (11) – who Lopez lifted the belts from in October 2020 – WBC beltholder Haney and rising star Garcia.
Kambosos became the mandatory challenger to Lopez after victories over former world champions Mikey Bey and Lee Selby.
Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn, who has promoted Kambosos’ last two fights and represents Haney, says broadcaster DAZN would be happy with either Haney or Garcia as an opponent.
“I love George Kambosos. I don’t want to pick holes in what he’s saying, but someone’s not telling George Kambosos the truth, because DAZN are very, very happy for Kambosos against Haney,” Hearn told iFL TV.
“They’re also very, very happy for Kambosos against Ryan Garcia. He’s a big draw.
“We’ve already spoke to DAZN, there’s a deal in place to try and make this happen. We have made a deal suggestion in writing to Lou DiBella and George Kambosos’ team. We’ve not received anything in writing.
“Devin Haney is ready to go. And I hope George sees this, because I love George and I love the team. Devin Haney is ready to get on a plane and make the undisputed fight. There’s no money issues, there’s no vaccine issues, there’s nothing. He will take the fight.
Hearn believes that Kambosos is being kept in the dark about fight negotiations.
“Don’t worry about people that might take the fight in August or September or might not even be fighting by then. Make the undisputed fight,” Hearn said.
“Someone’s telling him things that aren’t right. And it baffles us, because Bill Haney messaged me and goes, ‘What’s he on about?’ We’re speaking to DAZN, they like the fight, we’re ready to go, the money’s there, it’s not an issue. Let’s make the fight!”
The dark horse in the race is Lomachenko. Prior to losing to Lopez he was consider one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world.
A victory over Lomachenko, 33, would consolidate Kambosos’ claim as the best 135-pound boxer in the world.
“We’ll see what [Kambosos] does,” Hearn said.
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