Lopez versus Kambosos fight one step closer to finalization
Well its looks like the showdown between unified lightweight champion Teofimo “Take Over” Lopez (16-0, 12 KO’s) and George “Ferocious” Kambosos (19-0, 10 KO’s) is one step closer to completion. The two were originally scheduled to fight on June 5. Yet, that bout was pushed back as to avoid going head-to-head with the much hyped Floyd Mayweather versus Logan Paul exhibition.
The second date announced to the world was June 19, but that was scrapped when Lopez claimed he contracted COVID19. While no definite date or venue is on the books, the ball is at least moving. The IBF has recently announced that the bout must take place on or before October 17. The second notable stipulation was the bout had to take place where quarantining was not taking place.
“After considering the written submissions from both camps, the IBF has ruled the following: The IBF will not default Triller on the Purse Bid at this time. There is no IBF rule that governs the timeframe a bout must take place after a rescheduled bout. The Lopez vs. Kambosos bout must take place on or before October 17, 2021. The Lopez vs. Kambosos bout must take place in a location and venue that does not require quarantine.” ~ IBF president Darryl Peoples
THE SAGA CONTINUES
The second item regarding quarantining was significant because it ruled out the bout taking place in Kambosos’ homeland of Australia. When the fight was pushed back for the second time, there was serious talk about the fight taking place in the land down under. Yet, Lopez was not cozy with that idea and threatened to walk about from the fight altogether. Now, this is no longer a relevant matter. It will be interesting to see when and where the bout is finally held in the end.
George Kambosos has always been eager to get in the ring and take on Take Over. Naturally, he has his eyes locked on all those shiny belts that he’d like to wrap around his own waist. This would also be the biggest fight, and on the brightest stage, of his career. For his part, Teofimo Lopez has never been overly anxious to chuck knuckles with Kambosos. Like most fighters, Take Over does not feel like Ferocious is on his level or brings much to the table. Yet, being that he is his mandatory, there is not much the Brooklyn native can do about it.
In the end, let’s just keep our fingers crossed and hope that, for better or worse, this snake-bitten bout makes it across the finish line this time!
By: Bakari Simpson
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