Team Kambosos Says Key to Defeating Devin Haney is to Disarm the Jab
On the outside looking in, top ranked Australian fighter “Ferocious” George Kambosos (20-1, 10 KO’s) had everything in his favor for his last match. This is because he had set up for himself a hometown bout, in a massive arena and even had a favorable rematch clause to fall back on. While all of this was good beforehand, none of this benefitted him once in the ring.
Once there, he was relentlessly jabbed, out-maneuvered and out-thought by the younger Devin “The Dream” Haney (28-0, 15 KO’s). Given the one-sided nature of the match, there was very little surprise when Haney was crowned the winner and legitimate undisputed lightweight champion. Just as predictably as the judge’s verdict, Kambosos was lightening quick to emphasize that he wants to invoke his rematch clause.
YOU SERIOUS?!
While it’s perfectly understandable that Ferocious would want another crack at Haney, many throughout the industry are questioning the logic of that desire. Whether it is a wise move or not, according to chief second Javiel Centeno, in a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Team Kambosos seems to be very confident that with their recent experience they have enough data to break down Haney in a do-over.
“Haney lives and dies behind that jab and it’s a matter of just taking that jab away from him. You know, making him uncomfortable, keeping him on his heels. Not just going backwards, he’s comfortable going backwards. But, making sure he is sitting on those heels and executing and letting his hands go a little bit more. ” (1:35 min)
While this all sounds very good and confident, it’s likely to be more bravado than tangible substance. For example, while still in the ring with him, Kambosos and his corner couldn’t stop the jab, cut the ring off or in any other way demonstrate that they were in control of the bout. This is why it’s intensely difficult to believe that Team Kambosos can make any serious alteration that would lead to a drastically different outcome. Yet, Ferocious is free to dream!
It will be interesting to see if Team Kambosos really does follow through with the rematch or opts to lick their wounds in a bit of a softer return duel. In any event, 3Kings Boxing will be here to report the news.
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By: Bakari Simpson
