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George Kambosos Jr. vs. Devin Haney Preview

George Kambosos Jr

George Kambosos Jr

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

-189 USA Devin Haney (27-0: 15 KOs): 5’8”, 135-pounds – 71” Reach – 23 y/o

WBC Lightweight Champion, Undefeated, Extremely Active, Dashing Speed in His Jab Hand

+150 AUS George Kambosos Jr. (20-0: 10 KOs): 5’9½”, 135-pounds – 68” Reach – 28 y/o

Lionshare Lightweight Champion, Undefeated, Tough as Nails, Unrivaled High-Level Experience

WHO WILL WIN?

What a scene it will be when majority lightweight champion, George Kambosos Jr., tries to accomplish a rarity in boxing of becoming an undisputed world champion against a young, super-talented challenger in Devin Haney. This fight is set in Kambosos Jr.’s home country of Australia, and much credit needs to be given to Haney for taking this fight in the belly of the beast.

This fight is all sorts of entertaining as we get two very tough, elite boxers in their primes fighting for an undisputed throne — this fight’s narrative is Hollywood-esque. The Aussie is hot off an upset win (13:1 underdog) over Teófimo López where he set the tone early with a huge knockdown in the first round and is ready for the next biggest challenge in his career.

Skill-wise, Kambosos Jr. is ready to time the quick jab or lead hook of Haney with his hammering overhand right. For Haney, he is very elusive because of his ability to land said jab or lead hook followed by evading the pocket seamlessly. Kambosos Jr. will most likely take a few of these right on the kisser before he finds his timing to counter.

Kambosos Jr. isn’t a defensive magician like Haney. In fact, Kambosos Jr. welcomes a battle of attrition if needed to win the match. In his storied fight against López, he was the more technically effective fighter, but in other instances, he proved that he can win a gritty back and forth war. For Haney, the American is not afraid of getting hit either, but he’s at his best when he leads the dance.

I expect Marvel Stadium to be rocking and for any close decision to favor Australia’s Kambosos Jr. (see Pacquiao vs. Horn). The key in this fight is how quickly Kambosos Jr. can download Haney’s lightning lead hand. If it takes four or five rounds to do so, the fight could quickly slip away from the hometown hero. But again, you can’t ignore the location of this fight. I know any big movement from Kambosos Jr. will have the crowd jumping out of their seats ultimately swaying 50/50 rounds in the Aussie’s favor. Kambosos Jr. Wins.

FIGHT GOES THE DISTANCE? -300 YES, +230 NO

These two men have granite chins and have proven that time after time. I expect a strategic battle to start that quickly turns into an instant classic slugfest where it leaves fans clamoring for a rematch. I don’t see either man backing down in one of this year’s biggest fights. Fight Goes The Distance.