Unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. is currently one of boxing’s hottest names.
After beating Teofimo Lopez to claim the WBA, WBO and IBF 135lb titles, the Australian only had one goal on his mind, to become undisputed, but this could only be achieved against the WBC champion Devin Haney.
After a prolonged period of negotiations, the fight didn’t look possible and instead a date with Vasiliy Lomachenko was on the cards. However, this never materialised after the Ukrainian decided to return to his homeland and help efforts in the invasion by Russia.
An undisputed clash with Haney was back on the table, and now the pair will finally meet on June 4 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne for all the marbles.
Championships
Kambosos’ only world title success came in his last fight against Lopez last November at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York.
Kambosos beat the American via a split decision to claim the WBA, WBO and IBF titles which Lopez had snatched away from Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020.
Biggest wins
It’s no surprise that Kambosos’ win over Lopez is his biggest.
After beating Lee Selby in an IBF world lightweight title eliminator, Kambosos made no secret about who he’d want to face next. The Australian called out Lopez in his post-fight interview at Wembley Arena and after numerous purse bids, the fight was finally set for November 27, 2021, at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater.
Lopez was on a high going into the fight. After beating Lomachenko, a year prior for the WBA, WBO and IBF lightweight titles, the American had become one of boxing’s biggest names overnight and was considered a huge favourite going into the Kambosos.
Following a heated build-up, Lopez was under the cosh from the first round and found himself on the canvas with a right hand.
What followed was a brutal war between the two which also saw Kambosos knocked down in the tenth.
Following the final bell, the Australian was crowned the new unified lightweight champion with two of the ringside judges scoring the fight 115-112 and 115-111 in his favour.
Kambosos was now on top of the world after a career-changing victory and now wants to impose his rule over the 135lb division after labeling himself ‘the emperor’.
When is Kambosos Jr. vs. Haney? date, start time
- Date: Saturday, June 4 (June 5 in Australia)
- Main card: 10 a.m. AEST / 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. BST
- Main event ringwalks (approx): 2 p.m. AEST / 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. BST
The main card is set to get underway at 10 a.m. AEST / 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 2 p.m. AEST / 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. BST. These timings could change due to the length of the undercard fights.
What channel/stream is Kambosos Jr. vs. Haney?
- AUS: Foxtel PPV
- U.S.: ESPN
- UK: Sky Sports
The fight will be broadcast on Foxtel PPV in Australia for an AU $59.95 fee, while ESPN and Sky Sports will broadcast the fight in the U.S. and UK respectively.
Where is the Kambosos Jr. vs. Haney fight?
The fight takes place at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
George Kambosos Jr. record and bio
- Nationality: Australia
- Date of Birth: June 14, 1993
- Height: 5' 9.5"
- Reach: 68"
- Total Fights: 20
- Record: 20-0 (10 KOs)
Devin Haney Record and Bio
- Nationality: United States of America
- Date of Birth: November 17, 1998
- Height: 5' 8"
- Reach: 71"
- Total Fights: 27
- Record: 27-0 (15 KOs)
Kambosos Jr. vs. Haney fight card
- George Kambosos Jr. vs. Devin Haney; For Kambosos' WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine lightweight belts, and Haney's WBC title
- Jason Maloney vs. Aston Palicte; Bantamweight
- Junior Fa vs. Lucas Browne; Heavyweight
- Hemi Ahio vs. Christian Ndzie; Heavyweight
- David Nyika vs. Karim Maatalla; Cruiserweight (swing bout)