The lightweight division is perhaps the most loaded weight class in all of boxing.
There's WBC titlist Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis, Vasiliy Lomachenko, and the guy at the top of the heap, three-belt world champion Teofimo Lopez Jr. But George Kambosos Jr. is on the door and looking to upset the apple cart.
Kambosos (19-0, 10 KOs) is coming off a split-decision win over Lee Selby in the latter's home country of England back on Halloween to become the IBF mandatory challenger for Lopez. Kambosos and Lopez have crossed paths in the past. While the 27-year-old says the conversations have been cordial, Kambosos knows he'll meet Lopez one day, and says he'll emerge victoriously.
"There's no dislike," Kambosos said on the Ak and Barak Show. "Full gentlemen to each other. A really good conversation. We actually spoke about a few other things outside of boxing. But again, you could always feel, and I'm sure he could feel the same thing, that we are going to be across from each other in the ring. Well, I had that feeling. I'm his mandatory. I want that fight. He's the guy. He's got all the belts. I really want that fight. I believe I can beat this guy."
Some question whether Kambosos even deserves an opportunity considering Lopez beat Lomachenko and can move on to other notable boxers. But Kambosos tells everyone to look at his resume, and it speaks for itself.
"Lee Selby is rated No. 1 by the WBO as well," Kambosos said. "So not only am I the IBF No. 1 (challenger) but I should be the No. 1 (challenger) by the WBO. This is a former world champion. A guy that had six world title fight, four title defenses. Going into his hometown, (and) beating two world champions back-to-back."