Greek-Australian boxer George Kambosos Jr. will face off against Ukrainian rival Vasiliy Lomachenko for the IBF lightweight world title in Perth, Australia on Sunday, May 12th.
Boxing fans are expecting an action-packed contest with both fighters having enjoyed moments at the pinnacle of boxing. However, both men suffered defeats at the hands of Devin Haney, knocking them off the top spots in the sport.
For both fighters, next month’s contest is a chance to make a big statement in the lightweight division, or as Kambosos puts it, to become the “lightweight king.”
Kambosos vs. Lomachenko
Kambosos and Lomachenko have both enjoyed storied careers with dramatic ups and downs. The Greek-Australian became the unified lightweight world champion in 2021 with a win over Teofimo Lopez, whereas his Ukrainian opponent is regarded as one of the sport’s most technically gifted boxers, with Olympic gold medals and world titles in three weight divisions.
Kambosos is entering the contest as the underdog, with most boxing pundits and fans expecting a decisive Lomachenko win thanks to the latter man’s now-legendary ring IQ and slick skills.
“This is the guy who was formerly the pound-for-pound No 1 fighter in the world, a three-division world champion, a two-time Olympic gold medallist,” Kambosos said during a recent interview. “So we totally understand his accolades, we respect him of course with what he’s done, and outside of boxing he’s a very good figure for sport.”
“But we respect what we’ve been able to do, too,” the Greek Australian boxer added. “Styles make fights. And the way we both bring that action, it’s gonna be something special. I truly believe this is going be a memorable fight.”
“As a man, as a person, as a fighter, you can’t fault the guy. But with all that respect, when it comes down to May 12, that respect is out the window and I’m coming to take his head out, and I’m sure he’s going to come and do the same thing to me.”
Tactical breakdown: what to expect on fight night
Both boxers have alluded to the old boxing adage, “Styles make fights,” but how do their styles compare? Kambosos mostly boxes as a pressure fighter, relying on aggression, speed, and excellent conditioning to overwhelm opponents.
In contrast, Lomachenko’s style is characterized by the use of feints, counters, and superior footwork to tactically break down opponents. Lomachenko’s ability to create angles in the ring is especially impressive, and he blends pressure on the offense with responsible defense.
Kambosos fights in the orthodox stance (left hand and left foot forwards), whereas Lomachenko is a southpaw (right hand and right leg forwards), which means that both fighters’ lead hands are positioned on the outside relative to each other. This can obstruct the lead hands of both fighters, making it difficult for them to land jabs, the most important punches in boxing.
Kambosos often fights with his lead hand low. This means that he can throw the jab at an awkward angle below an opponent’s eye level but it may also leave him more open to Lomachenko’s punching lane.
Lomachenko is typically a slow starter. In the early rounds, his punch output is much lower because he needs time to read his opponents to set up traps and counterpunching opportunities. Kambosos may be able to capitalize on this and steal away the first half of the fight if Lomachenko is too inactive. Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney, who were generally outclassed by Lomachenko in the second halves of their respective fights, nevertheless edged wins because of this.
The expectation, however, is that as the fight progresses, Lomachenko will seize the advantage by luring an aggressive Kambosos into traps whereby Lomachenko can punish him with accurately placed counterpunches.
Yet, Kambosos has surprised boxing fans before. He was a huge underdog in the fight against Lopez but was able to put the much larger man on the backfoot with consistent and intelligent pressure fighting. Against Lee Selby in 2020, he was similarly impressive, managing to beat an elusive opponent who presented challenges with slick footwork and a solid jab.
Legacy is at stake
Beyond fame, fortune, and riches, what most boxers dream of is cementing their legacy: a lasting place in the Boxing Hall of Fame. A win on the night of May 12, will be one more step on that journey for either Kambosos or Lomachenko.
“A win would put me back to the king of the lightweights,” commented Kambosos. “I was there not so long ago. Devin Haney was the last guy there, he’s vacated, so if we go back on history I’m one of the last one of the lightweights that was king.”
“It would push me back in that position. It puts me back to where I want to be, where I’m motivated to be,” Kambosos continued. “And I’m 30 years of age. My road continues, my opportunities for bigger fights with the guys like Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson continues and that’s what I want, the biggest fights.”
“If I can’t get over a guy like Lomachenko then that opportunity really does not present itself anymore,” Kambosos added. “I know what’s at risk. I know what’s at stake for this kind of fight, but that is what is motivating me more and more.”
Kambosos is proud of his Greek heritage
Kambosos was born in Sydney, Australia to parents of Greek descent. His paternal grandparents moved from Sparta to Australia.
His tattoos are a testament to the pride he places in his Greek heritage. During boxing matches, the inked figures of Spartan warriors and scenes from the Iliad are visible on the boxer’s back.
Kambosos also counts the words, “Never retreat, never surrender” among his tattoos, a homage to the words spoken by Kind Leonidas in the movie 300. They are also an authentic reflection of Kambosos’ boxing career: win or lose, he has sought to fight the most feared names in his division.
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