George Kambosos defeats Lee Selby in gruelling boxing war after scorecard controversy

Aussie George Kambosos survived a controversial blip in his blockbuster fight against Lee Selby before celebrating a classy performance.

George Kambosos didn't die wondering.

George Kambosos’s heart would have skipped a beat upon hearing one judge’s verdict but the Aussie boxing star was able to celebrate a split-decision win over Lee Selby in their bout at Wembley Stadium in the UK.

Both fighters slugged it out for the full 12 rounds and while most agreed there was no doubt about the winner, one judge sided with Kambosos’ Welsh opponent 115-114.

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Fortunately for the 27-year-old from Down Under, the two other judges saw it differently and after emptying his tank, Kambosos celebrated a 118-110, 116-112, 114-115 victory.

“I can’t understand the 115-114 on the scorecard … in the end he (Kambosos) comprehensively outboxed Lee Selby,” one Sky Sports commentator said during the broadcast.

Kambosos is now undefeated in 19 professional fights and Manny Pacquiao’s former sparring partner has secured his spot in the ring against Teofimo Lopez, where the duo will square off for the world lightweight title after Lopez defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko last month.

“I told you I’d do it. I’m too fast, too strong, too aggressive, too smart, too powerful — everything,” Kambosos told Sky Sports after the win.

“World No. 1, mandatory. Lopez, you know what it is now. Let’s do it Down Under. Two warriors, two lions, let’s go to war. Let’s do it — I want that fight.

“This is a great moment ... I’m so happy.

“I’m going to train tonight, I promise you I’m going to train tonight because I want that world title. I’m coming.”

George Kambosos is rising up the ranks.

Former featherweight champion Selby started strongly and both fighters were moving well in the opening exchanges before Kambosos grabbed the ascendancy midway through the bout and didn’t relent.

The Aussie’s punches did more and more damage as the fight wore on, landing some heavy body shots and also rocking Selby late in the eighth round.

Former Aussie featherweight Joel Brunker was full of praise for his compatriot. “Congratulations to Kambosos. Boxed well and deserved the win,” he tweeted.

Combat sports reporter Jonathan Snowden said on Twitter it was an “embarrassment” some TV commentators thought Selby was robbed of a deserved victory.

Fellow journalist Liam Harpe added: “Kambosos didn’t expect to wait until round six to hit that higher gear, but when he did he was on top until the very end. Seen a few social media cards give it to Selby, as did one judge. Not quite sure how.”

Broadcaster Dave O’Grady said: “How on earth was Selby vs Kambosos a split decision?”

Veteran boxing scribe Dan Rafael said he believed Kambosos was the “rightful winner”.