Two former unified lightweight champions will fight for the vacant IBF world title tonight as Vasiliy “Hi Tech” Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs) will face George Kambosos Jr (21-2, 10 KOs) at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, streaming live on ESPN+. The main event is due to start with ringwalks at 11pm ET / 4am UK time, with the event start time around 8pm ET / 1am UK time.
Back in November 2023 the then undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney made the decision to vacate his belts in order to move up and fight for a world title at 140. Haney’s decision opened the doors of opportunity for both Loma and Kambosos.
Prior to entering the pro ranks, Vasiliy Lomachenko was a two-time Olympic gold medalist who had a remarkable amateur record of (396-1). In only his third pro bout back in June 2014, Loma defeated Gary Russell Jr and won the vacant WBO featherweight title.
Two years later, Lomachenko would move up and win the WBO super-featherweight strap. After four successful title defenses, Loma would move up again and become a unified world champion in the lightweight division.
On the night of October 17, 2020 the IBF champion Teofimo Lopez faced the WBA, WBO lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko. Lopez got off to a quick start, and Lomachenko finished strong, but at the end of the contest, Teofimo Lopez was awarded the unanimous decision victory.
Three years later Vasiliy Lomachenko had a shot at accomplishing his dream when he fought Devin Haney for the undisputed lightweight crown, but unfortunately for Loma he lost via unanimous decision. Now Lomachenko has the opportunity to fight for a world title against a man who traveled a similar path.
Back in November 2021 George Kambosos Jr shocked the world when he defeated Teofimo Lopez and won the WBA, WBO, and IBF lightweight titles. Kambosos was slated to fight Loma next, but Lomachenko withdrew from the fight and elected to stay in his native Ukraine due to the war against Russia.
The then WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney stepped in for Loma, traveled to Melbourne, Australia, and defeated Kambosos by way of unanimous decision. Kambosos would trigger his rematch clause and once again Haney thoroughly outboxed Kambosos and won the rematch via unanimous decision.
Kambosos would bounce back by defeating Maxi Hughes back in July 2023. Now the 30-year-old George Kambosos Jr has another opportunity to fight for a world title when he faces 36-year-old Vasiliy Lomachenko. Kambosos enters tonight’s contest as a 7-to-1 underdog, but he feels extremely confident.
George Kambosos is a counter puncher who has underrated hand speed, and he has exceptional timing. His opponent Vasiliy Lomachenko is an elite ring technician. Loma is most known for his phenomenal footwork and his ability to create angles.
This world title fight will be an extremely tough fight for Kambosos because the data says his chances against Lomachenko are slim to none. In two fights against Devin Haney, Kambosos lost all 24 rounds.
Lomachenko traditionally starts a fight off slow, and due to the slow start, Kambosos should be able to win a few rounds. However, if Kambosos couldn’t win one round against Haney, it’s hard to imagine him winning 7 rounds against a Lomachenko.
George Kambosos is a boxer who has often spoke about legacy. A win tonight enhances his legacy due to the fact that he will hold two victories against elite fighters. However, if Loma dominates Kambosos similar to Haney, then Kambosos could be trending towards that one-hit wonder category.
On Saturday night May 11th on ESPN+, two former unified lightweight champions will face each other in the squared circle and battle for the IBF world title. The winner could be set for a potential unification bout, while the loser will be forced to go back to the drawing board.
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