The boxing world is in eager anticipation of a rematch between Teofimo Lopez and George Kambosos Jr., as affirmed by Kambosos' longtime promoter, Lou DiBella. Kambosos, currently standing as a 135-pound contender, is all set for his first fight under his new multi-bout co-promotional partnership with Top Rank Inc. this Saturday night against England’s Maxi Hughes. Meanwhile, Teofimo Lopez, who’s been long-promoted by Top Rank, has rebounded from his shocking split-decision loss to Kambosos in November 2021, and recently overpowered the formerly undefeated Scottish southpaw, Josh Taylor, clinching the WBO junior welterweight title.
DiBella, analyzing the current state of affairs, firmly believes that Kambosos’ move up to the junior welterweight limit of 140 pounds to challenge Lopez is inevitable, provided both fighters continue their winning streaks. He said, “There was a lot of passion going into that fight and there was a lot of passion coming out of that fight... assuming Teofimo doesn’t retire another two or three times, it’ll happen.” DiBella predicts a tumultuous, exciting career for Lopez, and sees a rematch with Kambosos as always on the horizon, considering the thrilling encounter of their first fight.
In their previous title clash, Kambosos left spectators on edge, flooring Lopez in the first round, and though he was knocked down in the tenth, Kambosos fought back and won their heated 12-round championship match on two scorecards. Reflecting on the match, DiBella commented, “It was a defining fight for George... I think [the rematch is] a natural fight at some point.” Currently, Kambosos feels at home in the 135-pound category, but his 12-round fight with Hughes will be a pivotal deciding factor for his future in the IBF’s 135-pound rankings.
Kambosos’ future, should he triumph over Hughes, is filled with possibilities. If Devin Haney relinquishes his titles to fight in the 140-pound division, Kambosos would likely fight the IBF's top contender, Gustavo Lemos, for the vacant IBF belt. On the prospect of such a match, DiBella voiced, “I think if George wins this fight in good fashion he’s right back in there in the top echelon of making a big fight in boxing.” Regardless of the outcome, fans and pundits alike are keenly awaiting the intriguing developments the coming matches will bring to the boxing world.
Image Credit: ESPN