Victoria in box seat to host Kambosos, Haney blockbuster rematch
Despite Sydney and Brisbane throwing their hats in the ring for an encore of Melbourne’s record-breaking boxing match, Victoria will have first shot at the event.
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Victoria is in the box seat to host the rematch of the George Kambosos Jnr – Devon Haney blockbuster and more major fights in Melbourne.
As Sydney and Brisbane throw their hats in the ring for an encore of Melbourne’s record boxing crowd of 41,129 at Marvel Stadium, the Herald Sun can reveal Victoria will have first shot at the title.
Victoria had a clause in its contract for Sunday’s fight that it get first shot at any rematch.
The state government confirmed to the Herald Sun it would seek to host the event again, buoyed by the fact more than 20,000 fans at Sunday’s fight from interstate.
Sports Minister Martin Pakula said the success of the event had Melbourne perfectly placed to host a rematch and land more major boxing and UFC bouts.
“If there’s a rematch to be fought on Aussie soil we’ll be making the case that there’s no better place than right here,’’ Mr Pakula said.
After being stripped of his world lightweight belts before the second biggest boxing crowd in Aussie history, Kambosos Jnr said he expected a rematch in October or November.
Mr Pakula said Sunday’s fight would have caught the eye of global promoters planning more drawcard events.
“Melbourne was a big winner from hosting the Kambosos-Haney title fight on Sunday,’’ he said.
“We are one of the world’s great sporting cities and we are always working hard to attract the biggest global events
“Melbourne has the venues and our sporting fans turn up to events like nowhere else in the country.’’
Melbourne’s major event nous and the success of Sunday’s drawcard may be only part of the city’s strong claim on a rematch.
NSW sporting chiefs were miffed Sunday’s fight was even staged in Melbourne given Kambosos Jnr is a Sydneysider.
But the lack of a roof at Sydney Olympic Park or Sydney Football Stadium played into Melbourne’s hands and is likely to again open the door for an encore Marvel Stadium fight.
Kambosos Jnr on Sunday said: “I think we will be back here in Melbourne and I am very proud to have brought a great fight for Australian boxing.’’
Greek Community of Melbourne president Bill Papastergiadis said Kambosos Jnr’s Hellenic heritage was a natural fit for Melbourne.
“Melbourne as the third largest Greek city in the world with arguably the all time greatest boxer of Greek heritage beside it, is a no-brainer to host the rematch,’’ he said.
“In the first match an army of supporters marched from the Greek precinct on Lonsdale St to Marvel Stadium, creating an extraordinary atmosphere.’’
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