“All the Greek fans watching Tsitsipas playing, they spotted me in one of the boxes and were screaming at me during the match. I was worried it would disrupt the game, so I went outside Rod Laver Arena because it was getting too crazy,” Kambosos said.
“I spent about an hour-and-a-half with every single person, taking photos, having a chat. This is my belt, but these are their belts as well, they are Australia’s belts. I intend to hold them for a very long time.”
Lomachenko is about as risky as first defences get, to say the least. A brilliant technician who has looked sharp in two return bouts since his loss to Lopez, the 33-year-old is no stranger to fighting on the road and on the grand stage.
George Kambosos is set to defend his title in Melbourne.Credit:Getty
But Kambosos said from the outlet he didn’t want to just spin the wheels now he owns the division. If Lomachenko is confirmed, he will have his wish against a superstar of the sport.
“I only want big names. I don’t want any tune ups. That’s what Australian sports fans want to see, no circus fights, no easy fights, tough battles, fight of the year candidates.”
DiBella took a chance on Kambosos when few saw him as a serious presence in the division and rated him as one of the bravest fighters he has ever promoted. Lomachenko may well start as favourite on paper but DiBella said that would mean nothing after the bell rings.
“The thing about this kid is he fears nothing. When he was making $10k a fight, he feared nothing. When he was going and beating guys in their backyards, he feared nothing. He never turned down an opponent, he never turned down a challenge,” DiBella said.
“I have worked with thousands of fighters in my career and he is one of the most fearless, confident, self-assured guys I have worked with… ever. Right now, the marching orders from George is to make the biggest fight possible. That’s what we’re working on.”
There was more big news for Australian boxing on Wednesday with Newcastle cruiserweight Jai Opetaia confirmed to challenge for the IBF title against Latvia’s Mairis Briedis on the Gold Coast.
The bout was scheduled for April but with Briedis getting a dose of the flu right after recovering from COVID, it will now be shifted back to a date in early May. Opetaia has recovered from hand surgery and at 26, is more than a decade younger than his veteran opponent.
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Kambosos to ride Greek wave as Melbourne to host first title defence
Source: Philippines Alive
