George Kambosos Jr. will defend his undisputed 135-pound championship against Devin Haney on Saturday in his native Australia.
George Kambosos Jr. (20-0, 10 KOs) vs. Devin Haney (27-0, 15 KOs)
- Date: Saturday, June 4 (June 5 in Australia)
- Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
- Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Australia
- TV/Stream: ESPN
- Division: Lightweight (135 pounds)
- Rounds: 12
- At stake: Kambosos’ undisputed championship
- Pound-for-pound ranking: Kambosos Honorable Mention
- Odds: Haney 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
- Also on the card: Jason Moloney vs. Aston Palicte, bantamweights; Junior Fa vs. Lucas Browne, heavyweights
- Prediction: Haney UD
- Background: This is one of the best-possible matchups in the 135-pound division. Kambosos is coming off the victory of his life, a split decision over previously unbeaten and favored Teofimo Lopez to win all four major titles and become king of the division this past November. Kambosos, 28, is a rugged boxer-puncher who will have the advantage of fighting on his home soil, although he’s from Sydney. The globetrotter hasn’t fought in Australia since 2017, eight fights ago. Haney has already had several high-profile fights but this is an enormous opportunity for him. The native of San Francisco has convincingly outpointed in succession Yuriorkis Gamboa, Jorge Linares and Joseph Diaz Jr., an impressive run. The Diaz fight took place in December. Haney is only 23 but has more experience than Kambosos when you add up amateur and pro fights, a reported 173 to 120. He also has a deeper pro resume. And Haney is probably the more skillful of the two, which is why he’s a slight favorite. The WBC designates Haney as its lightweight champion but Boxing Junkie recognizes Kambosos, the “franchise” beltholder, as the true champ.
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