It’s now confirmed that the unified lightweight world champion George Kambosos Jr will have his next encounter with Devin Haney- the WBC champion at 135 to contest for the undisputed crown, as Vasiliy Lomachenko decided to remain in Ukraine even though a deal had been formulated. However, Kambosos isn’t letting go of the Loma fight that easily, and wants to square off against the former champion after he “wipes the floor” with Haney.
George Kambosos Jr respects Loma’s decision to remain in Ukraine
Vasiliy Lomachenko, one of the top pound for pound boxers in the world right and the former unified lightweight, WBO featherweight and WBO junior lightweight champion, emerged as the favourite to take on George Kambosos Jr in the latter’s first title defense as the reigning WBA (Super), IBF, WBC “franchise” and WBO titleholder, with a targeted fight date in June.
However in late February, in the wake of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine and the ongoing war that followed, Lomachenko flew to his homeland and joined the Belgorod-Dnestrovsky Territorial Defense Battalion in the resistance against Russia, joining his fellow Ukrainian boxing icons Oleksandr Usyk, Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko.
Even though Mike Coppinger of ESPN had reported that Loma was trying to leave the country for the fight to happen and even agreed to the deal, the handlers of Kambosos said that they were given the lowdown of Loma’s final decision- to remain in Ukraine for now, which essentially makes Devin Haney the next preferred option for the undefeated Aussie, who recently sent his regards to the Ukrainian pugilist.
“[Lomachenko], I respect your decision and I totally understand, and I pray for you and your country,” Kambosos said, “Please stay safe and once I wipe the floor with Devin, we will make this fight between two real champions. God bless.” [H/T Boxingscene.com]
On 27th November last year, Kambosos Jr shook the world after he defeated Teofimo Lopez via split decision following a hard-fought 12 rounds at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York, clinching the unified lightweight championship as well as handing Lopez his first professional career defeat.
Devin Haney, meanwhile, is coming off of a victory over interim champion JoJo Diaz on 4th December at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas via unanimous decision, unifying the green and gold belt.
Highlights:
- George Kambosos Jr respects Lomachenko’s decision to remain in Ukraine but still wants to fight him after settling the score with Devin Haney
- Kambosos and Haney will square off on 5th June in Australia
