Five for 2016: George Kambosos Jr. vs. Darragh Foley

 
1. George Kambosos Jr. (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Darragh Foley (8-1-1, 6 KOs)

 
For months, this pair has traded barbs, insults and even threats.

 
If there is one thing that helps sell a fight more than anything else, it’s a genuine rivalry. And in the case of talented lightweight duo George Kambosos Jr. and Darragh Foley, we have exactly that.

 
The bad blood is most certainly real.

 
Kambosos turned professional in 2013, cruising to state and national titles in just over twelve months.

 
In the past year, he hasn’t slowed down, lifting an interim regional bauble with a one-sided beatdown of Leonardo Esteban Gonzalez, before closing out his year impressively, laying Joebert Delos Reyes to waste in four heats.

 
Meanwhile, Foley, 27, blazed a trail to the top of the lightweight division in a remarkable two month spell, scoring impressive finishes over the previously world rated Valentine Borg as well as the unbeaten Miles Zalewski.

 
In recent times, the Sydney-based Irishman has been loudly campaigning for a fight with the flashy Kambosos – especially in the wake of his victory over Delos Reyes – who scored a decision win over the Irishman in July.

 
Despite the hype and anticipation, a fight between the long-feuding rivals may take time to secure.

 
The 22-year-old recently admitted – he will fight Foley – but only if he avenges his lone career blemish first.

 
Looking to remain active and not rest on his laurels, Foley has since signed to challenge world rated lightweight Brandon Ogilvie for his regional strap. A win over the Indigenous product will gift Foley his world rating.

 
As long Kambosos and Foley keep winning, the pair will remain on an inevitable course to collide.

 
What the experts say:

 
Ben Damon, MAIN EVENT:

 
“Some of those who are rarely wrong in Australian boxing believe that George Kambosos is the real deal. He is young, undefeated, and is successfully increasing the calibre of his opponents at an admirable rate.”

 
“Darragh Foley is all-attitude, and has shown himself to be an entertaining boxer in recent outings against Valentine Borg and Miles Zalewski, where he won the Australian title,”

 
“He does have a significant blemish on his record, with the loss to Joebert Delos Reyes,”

 
“But if that can be avenged he might have talked himself into a stoush with Kambosos, who would need to safely negotiate the English-born slugger to move on to bigger things.”

 
Lincoln Hudson, Trainer:

 
“What a great fight with all the hype. Styles make fights and these two styles don’t suit,”

 
“Kambosos is an accurate counter puncher and Foley is just a little bit too loose at this stage. But he doesn’t hide behind his lack of experience,”

 
Likelihood: 8/10

 
 
Photo: Peter McDermott Photography