MASAM SPORTS 14: GEORGE KAMBOSOS VS. DEVIN HANEY FOR THE UNDISPUTED LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE WORKS
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 16 Jan 2022
Eddie Hearn revealed he had started talks with fellow promoter Lou DiBella for a fight between undisputed lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. and WBC champion Devin Haney possibly in the Middle East in May. Hearn disclosed that he received an offer from the Middle East to host the Kambosos vs. Haney fight.
Hearn knows that Vasily Lomachenko’s camp is doing everything to make the fight with Kambosos happen. But he is positive the Australian world champion will face Haney to once and for all settle the undisputed issue.
He admitted that the fans want to resolve the controversy as to who the top fighter is in the lightweight division, and that could be addressed if Kambosos would clash with Haney.
“I spoke to Lou DiBella yesterday, and he’s doing his work in Australia,” said Hearn in the DAZN Boxing Show. "We’ve had an offer from the Middle East for Devin Haney vs. Kambosos. This is one we’re edging towards where we’re receiving a firm offer for. For me, it’s the only fight in the division."
“I know Top Rank is talking about Lomachenko against Kambosos. We need to wrap up this undisputed situation. We need to know who is the real champion. It’s a natural fight. Haney against Kambosos is a brilliant fight,” Hearn added as reported by Boxing News 24.
Aside from the undisputed dispute, Kambosos fight with Haney has the potential to make a lot of revenues. Hearn wants to convert Haney into a boxing star and earns a lot of money if he gets Kambosos as his next opponent and triumph.
“We can do it Sunday in Australia; we can do it in the United Arab Emirates. We can do it in America; Devin Haney is ready to go for that fight. He won’t price himself out.
“He realizes that George Kambosos is the king of the division right now. He’s the one with most of the belts, and he’s the one that put in a good performance the last time out with a big win [over Teofimo Lopez],” Hearn said.
Lopez won the WBC Franchise lightweight title in addition to the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and The Ring magazine titles after beating Vasiliy Lomachenko by unanimous decision in October 17, 2020 at the MGM Grand Conference Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
He was then reported by some boxing media as the youngest four-belt undisputed champion of all-time at the age of 23 years, however, the WBC Franchise title is just an honorary title not universally recognized as a major world title.
Kambosos wrested all these titles from Lopez by beating him via split decision on November 27, 2021 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
Haney became the youngest world champion in boxing when he was elevated as the WBC lightweight champion after the previous WBC lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko was promoted to "WBC Franchise Champion" in October 2019.
Hearn said Haney had the best resume of any lightweight in 2021. He beat Jorge Linares and Joseph Diaz which were two real solid wins.
"We have to pay up for those names because everyone rates Devin Haney, and they know how difficult he is to beat," added Hearn. "So right now, you have to give Kambosos a massive amount of credit and respect. He was a massive underdog and the victory of the year."
“People talk about Devin Haney doesn’t do this, and Devin Haney doesn’t do that. Trust me, the numbers for Devin Haney on DAZN are fantastic," said the Matchroom Sport chairman.
Hearn thinks Haney is in a great position, and he deserves the Kambosos fight. "For me, he’s the No. 1 lightweight in the world,” said the British promoter.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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