What’s the Buzz: George Kambosos’ rise from Gymea Gorillas to boxing superstar
George Kambosos’ will to win has been a trait since his junior days playing for the Gymea Gorillas and the driving force behind his rise to the top in one of the world’s toughest sports.
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It’s been the story of George Kambosos’ life.
Even as a junior footy player in the Sutherland Shire, it was all about making grand finals and achieving success.
The chubby Greek boy from the Gymea Gorillas was there to win, but always a team player.
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You can tell that from the club’s under-10A’s season report and the comments from his coach.
“George Kambosos – a 100% performer at all times,” he wrote in 2005. “Is always there for the team when hard yards are needed – strong defender who improved as the season progressed culminating in a great GF performance.”
His father Jim Kambosos remembers those days clearly.
“George loved having fun with his mates but he’s always had that competitive streak,” Jim said. “Doing his best and winning has always been his motivation in everything he does.”
Nothing has changed in boxing.
“George has that mentality,” Jim said. “He’s on record as saying he was prepared to die in the ring to win the world title belts.
“He has this incredible mindset and it’s what makes him great.
“That’s why he’s a world champion.
“He’s got all the boxing skills but at this level you need even more.
“No one is hungrier or more determined than George.”
Kambosos doubts he would be a world champion without the financial clout of Sydney Roosters billionaire Nick Politis.
Politis has discreetly provided financial assistance to help the once battling Greek boy establish himself in sport’s toughest arena.
They first met at a gym in Rockdale almost a decade ago, when the car-dealer king was there to watch Sonny Bill Williams at training.
“He liked George from the first time they met in the gym,” Jim Kambosos said.
“Nick said from the start if there’s anything George needs, just call him.
“We’re proud guys so we never asked for help, but Nick gave him $5000.
“At the time, George was selling meat trays to pay for his international fights.”
Kambosos said the relationship is much more than about money.
“To have a man of Nick’s stature in your corner with his extraordinary business success has been enormous,” he said.
“He mightn’t tell George how to be a better boxer, but he’s at the top of the business world. You sit there, you listen and you learn.”
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Originally published as What’s the Buzz: George Kambosos’ rise from Gymea Gorillas to boxing superstar
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