Lopez Backs Lomachenko To Beat Kambosos – ‘Mark My Words’
Teofimo Lopez Jr. has backed Vasiliy Lomachenko to stop George Kambosos Jr.
The duo have reached a deal to face each other on May 12, 2024, for the vacant IBF lightweight title. Having shared a ring with them, Lopez knows what it takes to face both men. Lopez shocked the world by beating Lomachenko to become the unified lightweight champion. Following the fight, there were suggestions that Loma had a shoulder injury which hindered him. Lopez then defended his title against Kambosos.
The pre-fight build-up was filled with bad blood, but Kambosos pulled off a major upset to win the bout. Lopez disputed the result, feeling he had been hard done by, as he lashed out at DAZN and the judges who scored it a split-decision for Kambosos.
Since then, both fighters have had contrasting fortunes. Lopez became a two-weight world champion after beating Josh Taylor to pick up his WBO 140-pound belt. As for Kambosos, he lost the chance to become an undisputed lightweight champion, losing to Haney in back-to-back fights. Although he beat Maxi Hughes via a majority decision after that, most of the boxing community felt he came second best. And Lopez expects Loma to overpower him.
Lopez On Kambosos
“Not only does he stop George Kambosos, he’s gonna make him look like an amateur that night. Mark my words, because it’s different when you face Lomachenko. It is so much different, man. You’ve gotta be in there to really experience it. And it’s good, though. You know what? Kudos to George Kambosos. He’s gonna go and face one of the toughest fighters in that division, and that’s Vasiliy Lomachenko. Good for him.
“I definitely expect Loma to beat him. You know how pissed off Loma is after beating Haney, and not getting the undisputed championship titles? Trust me, that guy’s coming back with some vengeance. He’s gonna bring what he learned from the war into the boxing game, and that’s dangerous. And Lomachenko is already a dangerous fighter as it is. Trust me, I know. I faced him, and I faced him in his prime,” Lopez said
Lopez On Lomachenko
Kambosos and Lopez could have a rematch later down the line. Lopez’s only loss has been to the Australian, but if it were to happen, Kambosos would have to move up to 140. It is unclear if the Australian can move up to that weight. At the same time, there are still some big fights for him at 135. Bouts against Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis are still possible. Lopez Sr. has indicated the desire for his son to run things back with Kambosos, but for now, Lopez wanted Loma to do his bit.
“So, this is a good turnaround. And all I can say is Vasiliy Lomachenko, I’ll get your get-back with [Devin] Haney and you get my get-back with George Kambosos. And we’ll do that together, my brother. Don’t worry, we’re gonna humble all these guys in our division,” Lopez stated
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