Australia's esteemed boxing champion and former unified world titleholder, George Kambosos Jr., is on a quest for a new championship belt. His path to glory is obstructed by Ukrainian boxing legend Vasiliy Lomachenko, a three-division world champion determined to add another victorious chapter to his Hall of Fame career.
The showdown between Lomachenko and Kambosos will unfold for the vacant IBF lightweight world title as part of a world title tripleheader on Sunday, May 12, at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. DiBella Entertainment, Top Rank, Ferocious Promotions, TEG Sport, and Duco Events are jointly promoting the event, which includes two additional world title fights yet to be revealed. This boxing spectacle will be broadcast in prime time in the United States on Saturday, May 11, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+.
Expressing his anticipation, Lomachenko stated, “I am excited for the opportunity to fight once again for a world title. George Kambosos Jr. is a good fighter, and I know I must prepare well to earn the victory.” Kambosos, equally enthusiastic, asserted, "I am extremely motivated and eager to face off with the legendary Vasiliy Lomachenko. This will be a battle between two modern-day warriors, and victory is the only thing on my mind."
Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, emphasized the significance of the match, acknowledging Lomachenko's legendary status and Kambosos's hunger for success. Top Rank chairman Bob Arum praised the clash of styles as a fascinating event, marking the most significant boxing match in Perth's history.
Geoff Jones, TEG Group CEO, highlighted the event's global appeal and thanked Tourism Western Australia for their support. Rita Saffioti, Tourism Minister of Western Australia, recognized the economic impact and international exposure the event would bring to the region. Sports Minister David Templeman expressed confidence in a sell-out event at RAC Arena and teased upcoming announcements for the other world title fights.
Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has a storied career, and despite being undersized as a lightweight, he has achieved three-weight champion status. Kambosos, hailing from Sydney, Australia, earned the IBF No. 1 spot in 2020 and secured the unified world champion title in 2021 with an upset victory over Teofimo Lopez. Despite subsequent setbacks, Kambosos remains determined to etch his name in boxing history.