Our Experts Decide: Brandon Ogilvie vs. George Kambosos Jr.

AFTER months of anticipation, the biggest fight of the calendar year for Australian boxing is finally here.

In a rare clash between world rated prospects, undefeated lightweight George Kambosos Jr. (10-0, 6 KOs) will face battle-tested West Australian Brandon Ogilvie (17-1-1, 9 KOs) for a slew of WBA affiliated regional titles.

As expected, this fight has divided opinion. We spoke to our group of industry insiders to get their thoughts on who would win and why.

Ben Damon, MAIN EVENT – Record: 15-9

Ogilvie W12 Kambosos: Plenty of the sharpest judges in the country say that George Kambosos Jr. is the next big thing in Australian boxing. Undoubtedly he has a perfect record, masses of confidence and huge potential but in Brandon Ogilvie, he faces clearly his strongest opponent to date.

Ogilvie also has a good record but at age 22, he already has a crushing victory against the solid Thai Amphon Suriyo, an impressive dismantling of Irish puncher Darragh Foley and a strong showing in Japan. I want to see Kambosos live up to the hype, but for his runs on the board and proven ability to step up on big occasions, I have to tip Ogilvie.

Regardless of the result, both fighters and their teams should be congratulated on risking their career trajectories in such an exciting fight.

Adam Wilcock, Promoter/Manager – Record: 16-9

Ogilvie W12 Kambosos: Hard one to judge this, as its really the first real test of two unknown talents. Neither have faced anyone at the level of their opponent in the opposite corner or anyone of note. It really is a step up for both boys, who must both be given massive credit for taking the fight.

For me Ogilvie, has the only real name that can be judged on his resume, that being Foley. There’s big noises on Kambosos, here’s his chance to show what he’s got.

Dan Attias, Columnist – Record: 1-0

Kambosos W12 Ogilvie: What a thrill to have two young, highly regarded prospects facing off in a fight on home soil. This is a hard one to predict but I feel that the difference will be the hand speed and footwork of Kambosos. Ogilvie will have his moments throughout the fight, but Kambosos will win a points decision.

Chris McCullen, Trainer – Record: 3-2

Ogilvie TKO10 Kambosos: Excellent match up 50/50 at its best, tough to pick. I usually go speed beats power in which Kambosos has the edge but I’m going to pick Olgilvie as he’d be high in confidence after his win over Foley. Plus Brandon can box as well as punch, points win or late stoppage. Congratulations to both camps for making it happen

Neil Devey, Journalist – Record: 5-1

Ogilvie W12 Kambosos: Well done to both fighters taking this bout, especially Ogilvie heading to Sydney. Kambosos is putting together a little run of stoppages, but Ogilvie might prove a tougher nut to crack than his recent opponents.

Unlike many West Australian fighters, Brandon doesn’t mind travelling, he beat Darragh Foley in Sydney and has also ventured to Indonesia, China and earlier this year Japan. Expect opinion to be split on this, Ogilvie points for me.

Pat Kennedy, Matchmaker – Record: 3-2

Ogilvie W12 Kambosos: Congratulations to both boxers and their teams for making this fight. I’ve been a huge fan of Brandon Ogilvie since he made his professional debut and I’m backing him all the way in this fight.

He’s become a man in recent times and I expect him to rise to the occasion and show the country that he’s world class. He’ll make some fans with this fight.

Cody Kaye, Journalist for Fox Sports – Record: 6-1

Ogilvie W12 Kambosos: Undeniably a step up for two young men that could both very well carry the torch for boxing in Australia for years to come. Both have immensely bright futures, and the dislike between the two is as genuine as it gets.

Ogilvie’s win over Darragh Foley back in March was hugely impressive, and while Kambosos is legitimately considered one of the country’s brightest prospects, on recent competition I have to go with Ogilvie. I expect a genuine fight here, but one Brandon wins on points.

Brendon Smith, Promoter/Trainer – Record: Debut

Ogilvie W12 Kambosos: Good luck to both boxers and I wish them both a safe journey in their fight and careers. I will lean towards Ogilvie on points.

Sam Labruna, Trainer – Record: 13-4

Ogilvie W12 Kambosos: What makes this fight so interesting is that it’s a genuine 50/50 fight with two up and comers putting their records on the line, just that alone makes for a great contest. I found them hard to split – but I’m going to tip Ogilvie to win an unanimous decision – purely because he has the more experience over the longer rounds. Good luck to both boys, it will be a great fight to watch.

Adam Santarossa, Journalist for SportingNews – Record: 7-1

Kambosos UD12 Ogilvie: I’m really excited for this fight, a genuine grudge match between two of Australia’s great prospects. I’ve been able to watch Kambosos closely over the last few years and he’s impressive.

He has a great work ethic, and he’s a showman, although often criticised for being a bit brash.

Ogilvie is a great litmus test for George and it’s Kambosos’ chance to show if he can ‘walk the walk’. To be fair, after ten fights, he hasn’t really been tested, but that will change in this fight. Ogilvie really showed what he could do in his win over Foley in March, and he’ll be looking for another scalp here. I see this being a close fight, but I think Kambosos will win by decision. Cudos to both for taking the fight, potential for Fight of the Year right here.

Billy Dib, former IBF featherweight champion – Record: 5-5

Ogilvie UD12 Kambosos: Both guys are very talented fighters and this is definitely a great matchup for Australian boxing. I feel both guys have had decent wins but I feel that Brandon Ogilvie is the more battle tested fighter.

I believe it will be a good hard-paced fight with Ogilvie winning a comfortable decision.

Gareth Williams, Trainer – Record: 13-6

Ogilvie W12 Kambosos: This is a great match up between Brandon Ogilvie and George Kambosos and a credit to both of them for taking this fight. I believe Brandon has the skill advantage, but George is a hungry lion.

My thoughts keep changing on the outcome, as I see either Ogilvie on points or Kambosos by TKO. At this opportunity, I’ll lean towards Ogilvie.

Brett Bonetti, Journalist for 6PR/96FM – Record: 7-1

Ogilvie UD12 Kambosos: This is a tough fight to pick. Ogilvie will be the sternest test of Kambosos’ career to date. Ogilvie is continually improving and has been using good footwork in a very active 2016, especially with his win over Darragh Foley in March.

Kambosos will aim to stay relaxed and use his speed to frustrate Ogilvie. I see this one going the distance with Ogilvie winning via a very close unanimous points decision, but don’t be surprised if it’s a split decision.

Lincoln Hudson, Trainer – Record: 17-5

Ogilvie TKO Kambosos: This is a great fight. As amateurs, I think Brandon had the edge, well he had more grit at least. As professionals, I believe Brandon is still leading the way and is consistently testing himself at every opportunity.

But in saying that, I believe George is a great talent but hasn’t challenged himself. Maybe we will see his true hidden talents and this will be an opportunity to see George in the trenches. For this reason, I see Brandon being better prepared for the encounter and could be a stoppage upset.

George Reno, Trainer – Record: 15-4

Kambosos TKO Ogilvie: It’s going to be a good fight, but my pick is Kambosos. I believe he’s the hardest trainer out there, and he leaves no stone unturned. He has a good team behind him and he’s been facing quality sparring in the US, I believe he wins inside the distance.

 

Photos: Louie Abigail/Photography by Rockfingrz