Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney is back to defend his belts in the rematch against former champ “Ferocious” George Kambosos Jr at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Sunday October 16.
George Kambosos says distractions before his first fight against Devin Haney led him astray, but his underdog status for the rematch with the American has him in recognisable territory.
Haney left Australia undisputed champion after their 12-round June fight at Marvel Stadium- the first man to unify the lightweight division in the four-belt era.
This time the pair will settle in the smaller Rod Laver Arena which Kambosos says is right up his alley and similar to the room at Madison Square Garden where he defeated Teofimo Lopez.
Devin Haney recoiled at suggestions of future fights against lightweight superstars such as Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis or Vasiliy Lomachenko, and insisted there is “no way” he can look past George Kambosos Jr.
A masterful performance from Haney dominated the judges’ scorecards in the first fight.
Although many have predicted a similar outcome in the second fight knowing Kambosos Jr.’s penchant for upsets, Haney isn’t dreaming about what’s next.
During the Face Off between Haney and Kambosos, Haney was asked about the prospect of fighting ‘Tank’ Davis, in the lightweight division and a man Haney has been going back and forth with on social media.
Haney refused to entertain the thought. “How could you even think to bring up Gervonta Davis when George Kambosos is sitting right there, right in front of me,” Haney said.
” He’s right there in front of me. That’s the man I’ve got to go through.
“Once I go through him, then we’ll talk about what’s next. But my main focus is him.”
When Kambosos Jr. was asked if he had thought about some of the other lightweight fights that could await, the 29-year-old also did not entertain the thought.
“Devin Haney,” Kambosos Jr. said.
“All these other fighters are great fighters, great champions. Everyone’s going to fight eventually, but like he’s focused on me, I’m very focused on him.”
Kambosos Jr.’s focus on his target is obvious as he has limited his verbalising and trash talk which was at full throttle before their first fight.
Many pondered if he had done too much in the build-up, and he admitted Kambosos Jr. was giving too much attention to building his own brand and not focusing on the fight itself.
Haney demanded his rival admit it to his face.
“Just admit it was too much for you,” Haney said.
Kambosos replied: “What was too much?”
Haney hit back: “Everything. It was too much. Too much build-up, you had to agree to too much stuff.”
Kambosos refused to entertain Haney’s request.
“I’m very proud of the event,
“I’m back to being the underdog,” Kambosos Jr. said.
