The former Australian champion is without a corner leading to a chance to regain the belt that has completely changed his life.
When George Kambosos Jr beat Teofimo Lopez In one of the ups and downs of the year, he walked out of the Theater at Madison Square Garden as the world’s unified lightweight champion. Australian boxer sneaks into a stacked division and tugs at the belt, declaring himself Emperor.
Followed by a media tour that even the biggest Hollywood stars would be proud of. Then it all fell apart as Devin Haney dashed into the perfect Australian victory for the Kambosos’ first and only defense.
Ahead of their rematch this week, the former champ thinks being caught up in the spotlight has influenced his thinking ahead of the game against Haney. He spoke to Fox Sports.
“I have been craving the media for a long time. Then when I hit this big hit, it was crazy.”
“Before that last game, the gym was packed every day. Anywhere up to 40, 50 people. There is always media. And I can’t concentrate. I’m still practicing hard. But everything around me takes a heavy toll on me mentally and physically.”
“With everything going on, and then trying to be a father to my three kids, it all comes at a cost. But this war, I’m rereading. I like so much. So Haney can say what he likes in the build process. The social network can also say whatever it likes. Nothing will break my focus.”
So how has he changed for the rematch? Well if he’s been out and about a lot before, there’s nothing dangerous about that now – he’s literally living in the gym, obviously.
“So now I’ve been living at the gym for three weeks. I have a bed, a fridge, a TV… and no distractions. I’m back where it all started. Told there are nicer places a man can go for quiet, Kambosos laughs: “Yes, I can stay in a luxury hotel.”
“But every morning when I look out there and on the gym floor, I can see a heavy bag with Devin Haney’s face on it. And I put it in because that’s what I thought. He’s the one I need to beat. For most of my career, I’ve been a challenger. Underbody. And that’s where I come back to now. “
Kambosos will have a chance to redeem points against increasingly progressive Haney this weekend in Australia.
