Devin Haney and George Kambosos Jr. look on course for an undisputed lightweight fight after Vasily Lomachenko was unable to take up the offer.
Lomachenko had looked like a credible contender to take on Kambosos later this year in an attempt to win back the belts he lost to Teofimo Lopez. In turn, Lopez had lost those championships to the Australian.
The Ukrainian has decided that he will remain in his home country as a result of the invasion by Russia, just as heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has done. Bob Arum recently claimed that the Ukrainian government would permit the pair to leave the country in order to fulfil their sporting ambitions, but it appears they are both committed to staying. Reports suggested that he had agreed terms for a title fight with Kambosos, but those plans are indefinitely delayed.
While Haney holds the WBC championship, the pair had exchanged taunts over the internet without formalising any match-up.
Taking to Twitter to discuss the invitation from Kambosos to come to Australia, Haney wrote: “Don’t try to talk me out of it. B— I’M ON MY WAY!”
“[Lomachenko], I respect your decision and I totally understand, and I pray for you and your country. Please stay safe and once I wipe the floor with Devin, we will make this fight between two real champions. God bless," Kambosos said on Twitter.
The WBA, WBO, IBF and WBC ‘Franchise’ champion also addressed Haney.
“You were offered it months ago & you played around, in the meantime the great man Vasily Lomachenko made it very simple to do anything to make it happen & it was a done deal. But Loma now has a bigger fight atm which I totally respect so let’s see how much of your word is true,” he tweeted.
“When the gate is closed the little dog barks and is full of energy but let’s see when the gate is fully open if the little dog still has the same bark and energy!!! Tick tock.
“Good!! See you in Melbourne then.....”