The DAZN Boxing Show discussed if George Kambosos should fight Vasyl Lomachenko in his next fight.
The Australian pulled off a surprise win over Teofimo Lopez last year in order to secure the WBA, WBO and IBF belts at lightweight, as well as the WBC franchise belt.
That set up a logical fight with Devin Haney, the WBC’s other champion, to settle the matter of whether Kambosos is really the undisputed champ, and Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn had talked up the chances of the match-up being made this year.
However, nothing has been confirmed and that has led to speculation about two other fights that could be made against either the former four-belt champion Lomachenko or the returning and unbeaten Ryan Garcia.
Speaking on the DAZN Boxing Show, Akin Reyes admitted that going straight into a title defence against such an experienced fighter like Lomachenko, who recently dismantled Richard Coffey, is brave of Kambobos.
“Credit to Kambosos if he’s willing to fight Lomachenko, that Loma who came from the Coffey fight. The first time defending those fights!
“Obviously Kambosos wants to ride that wave, obviously I’m not saying he’s a one-hit wonder. If I’m his manager, I’m against that.”
Barack Bess suggested that if the Garcia fight could not be made, then the current champion should not be made to wait to get back in the ring, asking: “If Ryan’s not ready, why not fight a tough fight?”
Chris Mannix agreed, pointing out that with the unpredictability of boxing, particularly at lightweight in recent years, moving straight to a high-profile defence might be the pragmatic option regardless of the high risk. However, he acknowledged that a placeholder fight could suit his ambitions too.
“Kambosos has to be financially smart,” he said.
“This is maybe his one opportunity to cash that lottery ticket. If you have to take a victory lap fight, before that next big fight, sometimes you’ve gotta do it.
“Sometimes the finances get in the way of making these fights happen.”