Our Experts Decide: Kambosos vs. Lomachenko
THE lightweight division will crown a new world champion on Sunday afternoon in Perth.
Former amateur superstar and three-division titleholder Vasyl Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs) faces George Kambosos (21-2, 10 KOs) for the vacant IBF lightweight title, vacated by former ruler Devin Haney.
We spoke to a slew of industry experts to get their prediction on the high-stakes collision at RAC Arena.
Ben Savva, trainer and former world rated welterweight
Lomachenko TKO Kambosos: Australia should be extremely grateful and supportive of George for what he has achieved, and for the fact he is bringing these huge fights to Australia.
I make this prediction with nothing but love. Lomachenko inside the distance for me. His style is perfectly designed to beat what George brings to the table.
Although, as we know from the Lopez fight, these top guys only have to be one percent off their game, for George to make them pay.
Luke Jackson, former world title challenger
Kambosos W12 Lomachenko: It’s amazing to see another big event in Australia, thanks to George. The guy continues to raise the bar high and fights the best in the world.
I think this is a very hard fight for George, but I believe his will is so strong, and I’m backing him all the way. George on points in a great fight.
Will Tomlinson, promoter and former super featherweight titleholder
Lomachenko UD12 Kambosos: There’s two ways Kambosas can beat Lomachenko. The first is with reckless pressure like Salido, or by boxing long and straight like Lopez did.
As much as I’d like to see George win, it’s going to be a tough task executing either of those game plans. I think it’ll be Lomachenko by decision after a valiant effort from George.
Darragh Foley, former world rated light welterweight
Lomachenko UD12 Kambosos: George looked lost last time out against an average southpaw in Hughes.
This time out, he’s up against one of the best lefties to ever lace them up. I think it’ll be Loma on points by bamboozlement.
Sam Goodman, super bantamweight mandatory challenger
Lomachenko TKO8 Kambosos: I think early on, it’s going to be a very competitive fight. But after the first few rounds, I see Lomachenko starting to take over and getting a late stoppage.
Matt Clark, manager/matchmaker
Lomachenko W12 Kambosos: I guess the smart money is on Loma. That said he does start slow, so George needs to bank those early rounds and then step on the gas.
Here’s hoping he can do it. Lomachenko by close points decision and I hope I’m wrong.
Conor Wallace, world rated light heavyweight
Lomachenko W12 Kambosos: I feel like it’s going to be a fight of the year contender, with an explosive and fast pace.
The crowd will get behind George, and really push him on. Unfortunately, I do see Loma winning on points.
Michael Zerafa, former world title challenger
Kambosos W12 Lomachenko: I believe it will be a hard and tough fight. Loma is unbelievable, but always backing the Aussie.
I believe Kambosos’ toughness and grit will show for the win.
Luke Meldon, trainer
Kambosos UD12 Lomachenko: I can see a motivated and fired up George coming out at a million miles an hour, and blitzing most of the first six rounds. I think the pace will slow a little, and Loma will have some success.
However, I feel the atmosphere of a sold-out RAC Arena will lift the Aussie, and Ferocious will come steaming home. I think he finishes over the top of an exhausted and deflated Lomachenko in a classic.
Justin Fitzgerald, trainer
Lomachenko TKO7 Kambosos: After a much disputed loss to Haney around this time last year, I think Loma will be keen to be back in the ring and make a statement at that.
Objectively, I just think Loma’s skill, pedigree and fight IQ will get him the win. Loma by mid-to-late stoppage.
Rohan Murdock, former world rated super middleweight
Lomachenko UD12 Kambosos: I would love to see the Aussie get up. But I think Loma’s speed, accuracy, timing and footwork will be too much for Kambosos.
Koen Mazoudier, former super welterweight regional titleholder
Kambosos W12 Lomachenko: My guess is that George’s heart and hunger pulls through with the hometown advantage. I think we get a close competitive fight in which Kambosos gets the win.
Gareth Williams, trainer
Lomachenko W12 Kambosos: I think Lomachenko wins by decision. George will have good moments in the fight, but I just think Loma’s angles and movement will be the deciding factor in the fight.
In saying that, George has been the giant killer for many years, and if anyone can come up with an upset, it’s him.
I’m hoping for George. But my honest tip is Lomachenko by decision.
Demsey McKean, former world rated heavyweight
Kambosos W12 Lomachenko: I’m backing the Aussie George to get the job done. If he can turn it into a dog fight, he’s got a good chance.
Mark Schleibs, former Australian bantamweight champion
Kambosos W12 Lomachenko: I think Kambosos is hungrier and has the hometown advantage. Loma is someone to be respected, but doesn’t look the same since the Haney loss.
They’re overlooking George, and I think he’ll shock the world yet again.
Chris McCullen, trainer:
Lomachenko W12 Kambosos: It’s emotion versus tactician. George is all heart and that’s what worries me in this one.
I think George will look to put the pressure on Loma, but with Loma’s angles and tricks, he might pick George off. It’s a great fight, love that George is bringing the big fights here.
Paul Fleming, Olympian and former world rated super featherweight
Lomachenko TKO8 Kambosos: I think with Loma being a southpaw, it’ll be tough for Kambosos to overcome. Loma stops him in the eighth.
