By Vince Dwriter: Since losing his titles back in June, George Kambosos Jr has been focused on avenging his defeat, and he will get his opportunity to even the score with the current undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney on October 15 in Melbourne, Australia.
When they met in June, Devin Haney was in complete control of the bout from the opening bell, all the way up to the bell that signaled the end of the twelfth and final round. Haney dominated the fight by controlling the distance, using his jab, throwing well-timed counter shots, and putting on a clinic in regards to effectively boxing on the outside. Kambosos tried, but he couldn’t find a way to get inside to unleash his offense.
Due to the way that Haney won the fight, the majority of boxing fans and boxing pundits didn’t see the need for a second act, but two weeks later, George Kambosos decided to activate his rematch clause.
Kambosos invoked the clause because he believed if he can make a few adjustments, he’s capable of defeating Haney.
Participation in a face-off type of show has become a routine part of a boxing event’s promotional agenda. On Wednesday, October 12, Haney and Kambosos joined moderator Warren Smith for their face-off. The show took place on a rooftop in Australia, as Devin Haney and George Kambosos occupied comfortable-looking seats that were positioned directly across from each other.
Initially, the moderator Warren Smith asked both fighters questions about the first fight, and then he transitioned to questions about the upcoming rematch. Smith decided to go off script and ask Haney a question that wasn’t related to the match. The moderator boldly asked Haney if he was going to fight Gervonta Davis after the rematch. Haney provided an instant response.
“How can you even think to bring up Gervonta Davis when George Kambosos is sitting right there, right in front of me? It’s no way that I can be looking past him. He’s right there in front of me. That’s the man I got to go through, and then once I go through him, then we’ll talk about what’s next, but my main focus is him.”
Immediately after Haney gave his response, the moderator suggested Vasiliy Lomachenko may be the next opponent for the current undisputed lightweight champ. A look of disbelief appeared on Haney’s face as he shook his head from side to side. The face-off was just another example to illustrate when it comes down to this rematch, George Kambosos is a huge underdog.
After facing each other in the ring this past June, Haney, and Kambosos have developed a mutual respect for each other. However, boxing is a business, and on October 15 live on ESPN, the business will get taken care of inside the squared circle. The odds are in favor of Haney duplicating his success from the previous fight, but Kambosos is betting on himself to find a way to alter those past results.
In order for George Kambosos to be successful in the rematch, he has to find a way to close the distance, and once he gets in range, he must throw combinations. He’ll be taking the risk of getting countered all night long, but it’s his best chance because if Kambosos is tentative, then we will get a repeat of what we witnessed in June.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM_3iIj3LP8