Weight almost derails the whole show
IT was the 165 grams that saved a $15 million super fight.
George Kambosos’ weigh-in crisis has been resolved with the Australian finally making weight to ensure his world-champion status remains intact for Sunday’s unification blockbuster against Devin Haney in Melbourne.
Kambosos stepped on to the scales on Saturday and stunned the crowd at Margaret Court Arena when he weighed in at 135.36 pounds, exceeding the 135lb limit for the lightweight world-title bout at Marvel Stadium.
In a desperate attempt to make weight, Kambosos went Full Frontal.
With two guards holding towels, he came back to the scales stark naked, but he was still over the limit, leaving him two hours to shed 165 grams to avoid his WBA, WBO and IBF titles being stripped.
But, after a hot shower and a quick “piss”, Kambosos returned 90 minutes later and weighed in at 134.49 pounds, giving him the green light to face WBC champion Haney, who had no trouble at a lean-andmean 134.92 pounds.
Kambosos later dismissed concerns about his weigh-in drama, suggesting it was a deliberate tactic in a bid to play mind games with Haney. One of Kambosos’ favourite books is the Art of War.
“Hey, the Art of War baby, deception,” Kambosos said as a crowd of 500 at Margaret Court Arena, many draped in Greek flags, cheered and chanted his name.
“Let them (Haney camp) believe that this was (a mistake). Everything is for a cause, everything is for a process. Trust me, tomorrow, just be here.”
Kambosos is renowned for his ruthless professionalism. In his 20 professional career fights, he has never had an issue making weight.
Perhaps it is clever deception. Perhaps it reeks of ill-discipline.
Whatever the case, four shimmering world-title straps are alive.
Asked if he was shocked not to make weight at the first attempt, ‘Ferocious’ said with a wry grin: “Art of War. Deception. Maybe I did it on purpose.
“I had a hot shower, a quick piss and a little run around with the kids.
“It was never in doubt. I’m really relaxed to be honest.
“I’ll have a nice pasta tonight with some good protein then chill out with the kids and put on a movie.
Kambosos scoffed at claims the 11th-hour battle to make weight suggested he had not prepared with the same precision as he did when he upset Teofimo Lopez last November.
“It changes nothing, it only changes his mindset,” he said.