Will George Kambosos truly let the fans decide his next opponent?
Since defeating Teofimo Lopez back on November 27, WBA super, WBO and IBF lightweight champion “Ferocious” George Kambosos (20-0, 10 KO’s) has been the toast of the 135-pound division. Naturally, as the most belt-carrying champion, the Australian is the most desirable opponent in the weight class. Logically, one would think Kambosos would next go after WBC lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (27-0, 15 KO’s). As Haney is the last belt holding champion at 135, their bout would be for undisputed status. Obviously, that is a big money fight with historical ramifications.
Certainly, a great deal of fans would and will clamor for the Haney duel. However the Dream is not the only show in town. Former WBC lightweight champion Vasiliy “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KO’s) has rebounded from his loss to Teofimo Lopez in marvelous fashion. Now that he appears to be back in proper form, there is no denying that Lomachenko is a splendid selection as well. Provided he soundly defeated Hi-Tech, no one could continue to say the Lopez win was a fluke. In every sense of the word, Kambosos would be a fully legitimized champion.
YOU MAKE THE CALL!
Clearly, Ferocious comprehends the ‘pick of the litter’ status that he enjoys right now. This is why he has presented a poll to boxing fans to determine who he should fight next.
WISHING ON A STAR
While it’s fun to believe that fans could have this much influence on a fighter’s next opponent, it’s not the most practical notion. If more boxers presented these polls, and consistently fought who the fans chose, it would be a tremendous benefit to the sport. Unfortunately, life is more complicated than that. Oftentimes money, pride, politics and petty squabbles muddy the negotiating waters for countless prizefights.
The fans have been hollering and screaming to see Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr to chuck knuckles, but that’s gone unrealized. The world wanted to see an undefeated Deontay Wilder dance with a then undefeated Anthony Joshua but this never transpired. Hell, many in the boxing populace are tearing tufts of hair out mad because Gary Russell Jr will only compete once a year!
In every instance the fans can yell until they’re hoarse. In the end, these fighters and their businessmen backers will do what they want to do. If it aligns with the fans interest, great! If their plots don’t please the fans however, you can rest assured they won’t lose a wink of sleep swerving around the most desired opposition. So, while the Kambosos poll is fun and hopeful, its best to sit back and see what Ferocious and his suits ultimately commit to on paper.
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By: Bakari Simpson
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