Top Rank Targeting George Kambosos v Vasyl Lomachenko Title Fight in 2022
Vasyl Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KOs) is a fighter on a mission. The former unified IBF/WBA ‘super’/WBO world lightweight champion lost the titles to Teofimo Lopez in December of 2020. Since that loss, “Loma” is motivated to get back to the top of the mountain at 135 pounds.
He’s coming off a dominating win over former IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey on December 11. As we head into 2022, the 33-year-old has his sights now set on a fight against the new IBF/WBA/WBO champ George Kambosos (20-0, 10 KOs).
In November of 2021, the Australian defeated Lopez to capture the titles. It’s considered one of the upsets of the year. Lomachenko is promoted by Top Rank. During an interview with Sky Sports, the President of Top Rank, Todd DuBoef, disclosed his fighter’s interest in facing Kambosos.
“We are amicably trying to have discussions with them for a fight in the first half of next year.”
THE VIABILITY OF KAMBOSOS – LOMACHENKO
Ranked number one by the WBO at lightweight, Lomachenko is in a position to land a fight with the Aussie at some point in 2022. So, the question becomes, when could a match between the two happen? Or better yet, would the two combatants ever meet?
Following the win over Lopez at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Kambosos made the rounds in the American boxing media market. He’s expressed a desire to fight WBC champ Devin Haney. His representatives talked about a plan to make him a star in Australia. That means Kambosos needs a big-name opponent willing to fight in the land down under. Lomachenko certainly qualifies. DuBoef made one thing clear when it came to the former champ.
“He wants his titles back.”
DOES IT MAKE SENSE RIGHT NOW?
But, how much does it benefit Kambosos to face the former pound for pound king? The loss to Lopez aside, Lomachenko is still one of the best fighters in the sport. In his win over Commey, he showed why many fans consider him a top fighter. At times, he made his foe look foolish in the ring.
Why would Kambosos risk his titles against someone at or near the top level? In a proposed fight between the two men, many fans would have Lomachenko favored to win.
Then again, Kambosos was the underdog heading into his match against Lopez, only to spoil the applecart. Here’s the thing, however. If the goal is to make him a main event attraction, that requires longevity. From a pure business perspective, it may not behoove Team Kambosos to entertain such a match, at least not in the immediate future.
All of this could change if the WBO decides to order the fight. As it stands right now, as much as “Loma” and Top Rank wants it, don’t expect to see it anytime soon.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
