Vanquished Kambosos Jr vows to rise again

Darren Walton | October 16, 2022

A defiant George Kambosos Jr is vowing to rise again after a second successive defeat to emerging US great Devin Haney left the former world lightweight champion seemingly at a career crossroad. 

Haney drew comparisons with the legendary Floyd Mayweather after battering a brave but outclassed Kambosos at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday to remain the undisputed king of one of boxing’s hottest divisions.

Haney’s second unanimous points decision not only denied the home challenger the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBF titles, but also cast a cloud over Kambosos’ future.

The 29-year-old Sydneysider had been unbeaten in his first 20 professional fights and owned three of the four lightweight straps after stunning Teofimo Lopez late last year.

Kambosos accepts he “could have milked” the division but opted to take on Haney, a future Hall of Famer, for his title defence.

“This isn’t the end,” Kambosos said after throwing everything at the champion but also copping plenty in return in an exciting, explosive sequel to their somewhat dull June encounter at Marvel Stadium.

“I’m still a big, big name in the world of boxing. I hope you guys don’t forget the ‘Ferocious’ Kambosos … I’ll be back. There’s still some big fights out there for me.”

Kambosos had been bidding to become the first Australian to unify a division in the 18-year four-belt era.

But Haney delivered another masterclass to extend his unbeaten record to 29 wins from 29 fights.

And while the outcome was the same as their first stoush, the manner of Haney’s victory was vastly different.

Controversially omitted from the sport’s top-10 pound-for-pound rankings, the defensive genius showcased his attacking prowess to batter Kambosos almost into submission.

“He’s a great fighter and for me to have the guts to go again with him – he gave me a good boxing lesson the first time that I came here,” the Australian fighter said. 

“I gave it my all, had a great preparation. You know, he’s slick, man. He’s a good boxer. This guy’s going to be here for a long time.

“But I don’t know how long Devin Haney’s going to hang around in the 135 division. He’s big, he’s rangy. He could go up to 140.

“We’ll see what Devin does next and what opportunities present themselves and I’m very confident we can bring a great action fight and that I can beat all these other guys in the 135s.

“I will be champion again.” 

Kambosos promised more urgency in Sunday’s return bout and stole the opening round with a late flurry of blows that had the crowd on their feet.

But the American hit back with a heavy right as both combatants attacked with infinitely more desperation than four months ago.

Using his potent right, Haney began to gain the upper hand in round three before Kambosos almost dropped ‘The Dream’ with a big left to the head.

Needing to find something, Kambosos opened up Haney in round eight to once again bring the home fans into play.

Also bleeding from a head cut, a courageous Kambosos did well to stay on his feet after copping a pounding in round 10.

The warrior preserved his record of never being stopped but the result was not in doubt, with the three judges awarding Haney the bout 119-109, 118-10 and 118-110.

“He’s a warrior,” Haney said. “I take my hat off to George Kambosos.”