Boxing 2022: George Kambosos-Devin Haney rematch locked in for Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne

A host city and venue has been confirmed for the highly anticipated rematch between deposed world champion George Kambosos and American star Devin Haney later this year.

Devin Haney and George Kambosos will fight agin in Melbourne in October. Picture: William West/AFP

It’s official. Melbourne will host the George Kambosos-Devin Haney world-title rematch.

Australia’s deposed world champion Kambosos will get the chance to avenge his crushing loss to Haney when the duo return to Melbourne for the second instalment of their unification blockbuster on Sunday, October 16.

As first revealed by News Corp, Kambosos activated a rematch clause just a fortnight after his unanimous points defeat to Haney at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on June 5.

Kambosos’ American-based promoter Lou DiBella said the fight contract had a provision for a rematch to be held in one of three Australian locations — Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

There was speculation a return bout could be held in Sydney in a bid to capitalise on a fresh market of domestic boxing fans in the Harbour City that Kambosos calls home.

Watch Boxing Live & On-Demand on Kayo. Selected international fights, classic bouts and more. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Devin Haney and George Kambosos will have a rematch in Melbourne on October 16. Picture: William West/AFP

But Kambosos-Haney II will be staged at Melbourne, this time at Rod Laver Arena, which is home to the gala Australian Open tennis tournament.

The first showdown between the warring duo attracted 41,000 fans to Marvel Stadium but with promoters facing a hard sell given the dominance of Haney’s win, the parties have settled on the 14,820-capacity Rod Laver Arena.

The unbeaten Haney (28-0, 15KO) will start raging favourite but ‘Ferocious’ Kambosos (20-1, 10KO) is adamant he can defy the odds and reclaim the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO lightweight belts.

“I know I can beat Haney,” Kambosos told News Corp recently.

“It’s not about money. It’s about getting back to the level I know I can be at.

“What kind of champion would I be if I just sat there and said it’s OK, I will let him (Haney) fight someone else and wait for a chance that may never come.

Devin Haney claimed the undisputed lightweight title against George Kambosos in Melbourne in June. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“The Emperor is dead, but Ferocious is still alive and I will be back.”

Kambosos shocked the boxing world with his upset of Teofimo Lopez last year and the Sydneysider believes he can pull off another boilover against the slick and quick Haney.

The 29-year-old says he will work on a new tactical strategy to avenge his loss to Haney, whose lethal jab kept him at bay.

“I just wasn’t quite at my peak on the night,” he said.

“His jab was excellent and I have to work out a way with my team to get around that jab.

“Haney is a good fighter but he is beatable. He is not invincible. It was like a chess match and I have to get back to what I do best which is constant pressure.

George Kambosos can’t wait for his rematch with Devin haney. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“My confidence hasn’t been broken. On the day, Ferocious wasn’t at his best. I was just off a touch, but no excuses. Devin was the better fighter, he did what he had to do with his jab, he is a smart operator but I have to be smarter at my game plan next time.

“The pressure is on Haney now as the undisputed champion and this position for me is where I love to be. Against all odds, nothing to lose, everything to gain and that’s where I am most dangerous.

“I am blessed to get the shot again and not many Australian boxers can say they’ve had three world title fights in a row.

“I shocked Lopez to win the belts, I lost them to Haney but now I will be working on a game plan to get the belts back.

“I have the eye of the tiger again.”

Originally published as Boxing 2022: George Kambosos-Devin Haney rematch locked in for Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne