Australian George Kambosos confidently prepares for his title fight against Vasiliy Lomachenko on Sunday, boasting that he has “more balls” than the Ukrainian.
Lomachenko and Kambosos meet at a packed RAC Arena in Perth on Sunday, with the winner taking the vacant IBF lightweight world title.
And the Australian has no shortage of swagger heading into the sold-out fight, declaring: “Heart-wise, he won’t be able to match me.”
“When it comes to will, spirit, heart and big balls, I have the big Australian balls… and he can’t take my pressure.”
Kambosos rose to international fame in 2021 when he won the IBF, WBA and WBO lightweight belts against the stunning Teofimo López at Madison Square Garden.
But back-to-back losses to Devin Haney, combined with last year’s unconvincing and controversial victory over Maxi Hughes, have raised questions about whether Kambosos has lost his magic touch.
George Kambosos Jr. (right) and Vasiliy Lomachenko before their IBF lightweight world title fight, in Perth
Kambosos Jr comfortably made weight and said he had ‘bigger balls’ than his Ukrainian opponent
Now the gunpowder has been lit for an explosive showdown after the Kambosos camp received accusations of racism related to a change of referees.
Controversy surrounding the bout includes Kambosos’ father and manager, Jim, denying allegations of racism after requesting a change of referee for the scheduled fight at Perth’s RAC Arena.
“It’s true, I didn’t want Nakamura as the main referee,” said Jim Kambosos.
‘I’m not being racist here.
‘I wanted to have an English referee. I wanted to make sure there was clear and concise communication in the ring.
‘Anyway, I lost the battle with the IBF. “Nakamura will be the referee, but it was not a question of racism.”
Referee Steve Gray has been summoned for the fight at the request of Kambosos Jr.’s father.
Jim Kambosos insists there was no racism in Japanese referee Katsuhiko Nakamura being removed from the fight.
Kambosos Jr, who had previously failed to meet the weight requirement for a fight in 2022, showed up in excellent physical condition for the weigh-in, meeting the 135-pound limit without issue.
He made headlines in November 2021 by defeating Teófimo López, winning four belts and establishing himself as one of the top competitors in the lightweight division.
That boosts Kambosos’ confidence, given Lomachenko’s past losses, including one to Lopez and a recent loss to Devin Haney, highlighting what Kambosos sees as Lomachenko’s diminishing dominance in his weight class.
“We know what Lomachenko has achieved in the sport, but he hasn’t achieved what I have achieved,” the Australian said.
‘I have been the undisputed champion, no matter what people say.
‘He had all four belts in the game.
“I’m the only one in Australian boxing history who has done that. He’s never equaled what I did and that’s in his head.
‘I have won the most important fights. I beat Lopez. He couldn’t beat Lopez and he couldn’t beat Haney to be undisputed.
“I know that plays on his head and I’m going to take advantage of it.”
Kambosos Jr claims to be in the best shape of his career and a victory would open many doors for him
Lomachenko was due to face Kambosos in 2022, but scrapped the fight so he could return to Ukraine and defend his country against the Russian invasion.
Sunday’s event card will feature two title fights.
Australian Andrew Moloney will face Mexican Pedro Guevara for the interim WBC super flyweight title.
In the WBA women’s bantamweight battle, Australian Cherneka Johnson will try to strip England’s Nina Hughes of her belt.
The non-title heavyweight bout will pit former WBA world champion Lucas Browne (31-5, 27KOs) against Kiwi Hemi Ahio (21-1, 16KOs).