Vasiliy Lomachenko in George Kambosos Jr’s sights as Aussie plots path back to world title

George Kambosos Jr will step back into the ring for the first time since two losses to Devin Haney last year, fighting Maxi Hughes. His sights are set on an even bigger showdown, BRENDAN BRADFORD reports.

Don’t call it a comeback. George Kambosos has locked in a US fight in July. Picture: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc/Getty Images

Don’t call it a comeback, call it a second coming.

And this time, a refreshed George Kambosos Jr is intent on making it third time lucky in organising a fight with Vasiliy Lomachenko as he plots his path back to the lightweight world title.

That journey starts against Englishman Maxi Hughes on July 22 in Oklahoma in the 20-2 Kambosos’ first bout since his rematch defeat to Devin Haney last October.

The bout is an eliminator for the IBF lightweight world title, which is currently held by undisputed champion Haney.

If, as is expected, Haney moves up to super lightweight and vacates all the belts, Kambosos would be in prime position to contest for the IBF strap.

“Once Haney vacates, which he is going to do, we’ll fight (number one ranked IBF lightweight) Gustavo Lemos or, now that we’re both with Top Rank, the Lomachenko fight is there,” Kambosos told CODE Sports.

“That’s still a big, big money fight for Lomachenko.”

Kambosos lands a left hand on Devin Haney in their rematch in October. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

A showdown between Kambosos and then lightweight kingpin Lomachenko was first discussed as far back as 2019, before Lomachenko lost the titles to Teofimo Lopez.

Following Kambosos’ upset victory over Lopez, he was scheduled to make his first defence of the belts against Lomachenko in the first half of 2022.

Lomachenko eventually pulled out after Russia invaded his native Ukraine.

“A fight with me and Lomachenko was talked about five years ago, and it went around the world,” Kambosos said. “It showed how big of a fight that would’ve been.

“Then I won the belts against Lopez, and the Lomachenko fight was going to happen again.

“It was done. It was signed. Then the war stopped it, so this time it’s third time lucky.

“It makes a lot of sense bringing that fight to Australia. I think that fight does even bigger numbers than me and Haney, and I think Sydney deserves a big fight like that.”

Lomachenko (L) dropped a hugely controversial decision to Haney in May. Picture: Sarah Stier/Getty Images

First though, Kambosos must get through the 26-5-2 southpaw Hughes in Oklahoma in July.

Hughes is on a seven-fight winning streak, most recently scoring a majority decision win over former featherweight world champion Kid Galahad.

Kambosos isn’t impressed.

“He’s a good fighter, he’s tough, but he’s not elite,” the Sydneysider said. “He’s been on a decent run, but you can just take my last three fights – Lopez and Haney twice – and those alone destroy his experience.

“I have real championship experience fighting on the biggest stage.

“I prepared for my last three fights trying to crack holes in Lopez and Haney. When you look at Hughes, there’s lots of holes. Lots of openings.

“This is going to be a surgical masterclass.”

Maxi Hughes celebrates his win over Kid Galahad on the shoulders of two-time world champion and training partner, Josh Warrington in September. Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

Kambosos, who could retire from the sport tomorrow, says he has a point to prove after his pair of decision defeats to Haney last year.

“Boxing fans have a short memory,” he said. “They love you, then they hate you. They love you, then they hate you.

“The most important thing is that I still love the game. I love fighting.

“This is about getting back to the top of the mountain. People only remember your last fight, but I’ve got tunnel vision on Maxi Hughes and we’re going in to make a statement.”

Originally published as Vasiliy Lomachenko in George Kambosos Jr’s sights as Aussie plots path back to world title