How things have changed.
Two-plus months ago George Kambosos Jr. was still basking in his upset of Teofimo Lopez the previous November in New York, which gave him the undisputed lightweight championship. Devin Haney was a 23-year-old with a dream.
Well, the realization of Haney’s dream became Kambosos’ nightmare, as Haney went to the Aussie’s country this past June 5 and easily outboxed him to win a wide decision, take his titles and stamp himself as a genuine young star.
Kambosos (20-1, 10 KOs) will have a chance to avenge the setback when they meet again on Oct. 16 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, the site of the now-former champion’s worst night as a pro (ESPN, ESPN+).
“George Kambosos is quiet right now like he should have been before our first fight,” Haney said. “I wish him a healthy training camp. I’m expecting a hungry and determined Kambosos on October 16th in Melbourne. I will be prepared for any adjustment he brings.
“This is a great opportunity to gain more Aussie fans and add to my legacy.”
Kambosos, bursting with confidence after the victory over Lopez, had a lot to say in the lead up to his first fight with Haney. Now, after losing badly in front of 41,129 supporters at Marvel Stadium, he’s mum.
No talk about what he’ll do to Haney (28-0, 15 KOs). No predictions. Just a you-wait-and-see attitude.
“I am looking forward to October 16th at Rod Laver Arena,” Kambosos said, “… That’s where I will do my talking, inside the ring.”
Lou DiBella, one of the promoters of the show, pointed out that Kambosos is in the same position he was before he faced Lopez.
“George Kambosos Jr. is again the hungry challenger, chasing Devin Haney’s belts, with a chance to regain it all on home soil,” DiBella said. “Kambosos-Haney I was the Devin Haney show. George is going to have to fight a completely different fight to get that victory, and he knows it.
“That alone assures an action-packed rematch. The odds are against George. He needs to defy the odds yet again.”
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