Vasiliy Lomachenko and George Kambosos Jr. were once kings at lightweight. They pair now face off to reclaim the throne in a fight that will air on ESPN+ in the U.S. on May 11 (May 12 in Australia).
Kambosos upset Teofimo Lopez in 2021 to win the IBF, WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine titles. However, Devin Haney brought him back to earth with two decisive wins in Melbourne for the undisputed championship.
The Sydney-born Kambosos traveled to Perth to prepare for the Loma fight, which takes place at the RAC Arena. He is now ready to take down boxing royalty in front of family and friends.
“We’re extremely focused. We had a tremendous camp, and it’s time to fight. That’s what we’re here for. We’re here to fight. We’re not here for a holiday. We’re not here to do any fishing. We’re here for a fight, a true war,” Kambosos told Fight Hype via Boxing News 24.
WATCH: Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos, exclusively on ESPN+
In 2018, Lomachenko beat Jorge Linares to begin his ascension at lightweight, capturing the WBA and Ring titles in the process. After losing to Lopez, the 36-year-old lefty bounced back well, but he’s coming off a close points loss to Haney.
While both are fighting one another for the first time, they will be vying for a title they are familiar with.
What world title is on the line for Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos?
Lomachenko and Kambosos will compete for the vacant IBF lightweight title.
In December, Haney, the former undisputed champ at 135, moved up to 140 to challenge Regis Prograis for the WBC super lightweight title. “The Dream” won impressively, claiming a lopsided unanimous decision in San Francisco.
Haney ultimately relinquished all of his lightweight titles, which freed up the IBF crown that will be on the line between Lomachenko and Kambosos.
MORE: Russian intelligence priming Kambosos for Lomachenko upset
Further ramifications of Haney moving up include Shakur Stevenson becoming WBC lightweight champ, and Gervonta Davis being promoted to full-time WBA titleholder. The Ring and WBO championships are currently vacant.
