George Kambosos Jr. told everyone who would listen for months that he would defeat Teofimo Lopez. The first fight date for the duo was in July. But after numerous delays, Kambosos finally got his chance against Lopez last Saturday night. The 13-1 underdog made good on his promise and pulled out one of the most dramatic upsets in recent boxing history.
Teofimo Lopez came into the ring with a 16-0 record. In his last fight, he defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko to win three world titles. He also became the front runner amongst a talented group of 135-pound boxers.
Kambosos came into the ring 19-0 but was mostly unknown to most casual American boxing fans. Kambosos complained about the lack of attention he received from the media leading up to the fight. He also warned people that considered him to be nothing more than a speed bump for Lopez.
The fireworks produced by Kambosos and Lopez began from the opening bell. Teofimo Lopez promised a first-round knockout and intended to make good on the prediction.
George Kambosos Jr. said he would meet fire with fire. The Australian told the truth and scored the fight’s first knockdown in the opening round.
Lopez continued his search for a one-punch knockout, but Kambosos proved to be an unwilling victim. The new champion used foot movement and ring awareness to avoid dangerous situations. He countered effectively with his right hand and began to land combinations by the middle rounds.
Lopez battled through adversity and finally landed the big punch he needed in round ten. Kambosos beat the ten count but was unsteady on his feet. Lopez swooped in for the kill and unleashed a volley of power punches in the challenger’s direction. Kambosos stood his ground, returned fire with fire once again, and made it to fight another round.
George Kambosos was able to regain his composure in the 11th round. He boxed well and controlled much of the action over the last six minutes of the fight. The split decision victory came with scores of 115-112 and 115-111 for Kambosos. The dissenting judge scored the fight 114-113 for Lopez.
George Kambosos now holds the WBO, IBF, and WBA lightweight championship belts. He has several big fight opportunities available to him. WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney has already challenged Kambosos to a fight for undisputed glory. Ryan Garcia challenged the newly crowned three-belt champion via social media soon after the victory. Kambosos also told Lopez he would fight him again in Australia.
Teofimo Lopez sent mixed signals about his intentions following losing his first title defense. He expressed the feeling that he won the fight. The former three-belt champion also wants a rematch. But Lopez speaks of problems making weight at 135 and the possibility of moving up to 140.
George Kambosos says he is the greatest fighter in Australian boxing history. Some boxing fans may think that assertion is a bit premature. But the lightweight king has positioned himself to command the fights that would allow him to prove his point.