Undisputed lightweight champion George ‘Ferocious’ Kambosos Jr 20-0 (10) could be headed to the Middle East to face Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney 27-0 (15).
The 28-year-old from Sydney, Australia, annexed the WBC Franchise, WBA, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine 135-pound belts from previously undefeated Teofimo ‘The Takeover’ Lopez 16-1 (12) by split decision at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden in late November. The scores were 115-112 and 115-111 for Kambosos and 114-113 for Lopez.
The original plan was for Kambosos to make the first defence of his titles in his homeland but Eddie Hearn, who promoted the Lopez-Kambosos bout, is exploring options in the Middle East where he has promoted bout before. Hearn promotes Haney.
“I spoke to [Kambosos’ promoter] Lou DiBella and he’s doing his work in Australia,” the Matchroom Boxing boss told DAZN. “We’ve had an offer from the Middle East for Haney-Kambosos. This is one we’re edging towards where we’re receiving a firm offer for. For me, it’s the only fight in the division.
“I know Top Rank is talking about [former undisputed lightweight champion Vasiliy] Lomachenko against Kambosos. We need to wrap up this undisputed situation We need to know who is the real champion. It’s a natural fight. Haney against Kambosos is a brilliant fight.
“We can do it Sunday in Australia; we can do it in the United Arab Emirates. We can do it in America; Devin Haney is ready to go for that fight. He won’t price himself out.
“He realises that George Kambosos is the king of the division right now. He’s the one with most of the belts, and he’s the one that put in a good performance the last time out with a big win.”
Kambosos has never been shy about fighting on the road, winning bouts in London, New York, Malasia and Greece. But now he owns all the major world titles at lightweight, he holds all the cards as far as where his next bout will take place.
“I love the Haney fight and I love the WBC piece. I love the Lomachenko fight. A big name and [Gervonta] Tank Davis as well,” Kambosos told Fox Sports Australia.
“I want to see him back in the ring first. We’re sitting here negotiating, making sure they’ll come to Australia first. That’s the most important that they’ll travel down. I know for a fact that Haney will and Lomachenko will. So that is a big plus right away.”
Kambosos remains adamant his maiden title defence takes place in his own backyard.
“It’s going to be in May. May is going to be a great time,” Kambosos continued. “The build-up, the name, there’s going to be the build-up.
“My entire career has been the hard road. There’s never been an easy option for me. I’ve always had to grind.
“We’ve got to really let Australia know what’s going on and how big this fight will be. This will be the biggest fight in Australian history. It’ll be a stadium fight in Sydney or Melbourne. We’re in negotiations with both and it’ll be very exciting.
“I wouldn’t be real to the crowd if I told them I’m coming back for an easy fight. What for? I’m coming for the big names, and we’re already in negotiations with everybody.”
