‘Ferocious’ Aussie shocks champion
SYDNEY slugger George Kambosos Jr has shocked the world, pulling off the biggest win in Australian boxing history.
On a day of drama in New York, “Ferocious” Kambosos rocked Madison Square Garden to its foundations with a stunning upset of raging favourite Teofimo Lopez to claim the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring lightweight titles.
The hard-punching Lopez entered the fight unbeaten from 16 professional fights, 12 by knockout, and warned Kambosos Jr he would knock him out in the first round following a drama-charged build-up headlined by the Triller contract debacle.
But Kambosos Jr showed the warrior instincts of is Greek forefathers, reducing Madison Square Garden to deathly silence when he dropped a cocky Lopez in the opening round.
The 28-year-old then continued a boxing masterclass, withstanding a furious late riposte from Lopez, who dropped Kambosos Jr in the 10th round, to claim a superb split decision victory (115-111, 115-112 and 113-114).
A furious Lopez later claimed he was robbed but Kambosos slammed the American as delusional as he maintained his perfect record (20-0, 10KO) and saluted the greatest triumph in Australian boxing history.
“I am the greatest fighter in Australian history, I have all four belts,” Kambosos Jr declared, fighting back tears as his entourage slapped all four belts around him.
“We worked unbelievably, every day I got better and better and I didn’t take my foot off the pedal.
“This is for my kids and my grandfather, George Kambosos passed away two months ago. My whole family is here with me.
“All respect to Teofimo, we are competitive guys, but it was my night.
“I’m not the king. I’m the emperor because I come in and take everyone out.
“If you don’t believe in yourself, you will never get this far.”
Irate at the decision, Lopez stormed over and grabbed the microphone while Kambosos Jr was mid-interview to claim he was the rightful victor.
“You are a hell of a fighter, but I won this fight. Everybody knows that. The referee held up my hand,” Lopez said.
“At the end of the day, I have been here and done it. I ain’t no sore loser. I am a true champion and came and did what I had to do.
“It’s boxing. But I know how these people (judges) work, everybody knew I won.
“I don’t believe it was close at all. I scored it 10-2.”
As Lopez celebrated victory, Kambosos Jr hit back, having the final word as he challenged the beaten champion to a re-match.
“You are a bit delusional brother,” he said.
“I won the fight fair and square, look at your face.”