George Kambosos Jr. claims he has invoked his rematch clause to take on Devin Haney for a second time on Australian soil later this year.
Haney defeated Kambosos Jr. on June 5 in front of over 41,000 fans inside Marvel Stadium to become the undisputed lightweight champion of the world.
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It was a masterful performance from the 23-year-old American as he was too quick and slick for ‘Ferocious’, with his jab proving to be especially problematic.
The comprehensive manner in which Haney won had many boxing fans wondering if there was much point in Kambosos Jr. pushing ahead with the rematch, even if it is stipulated in the contract the two men signed.
However, Kambosos Jr. is never one to shy away from any challenge as he prepares to take on Haney for a second time to claim back the four belts he lost.
“Yes, the rematch is happening, 100 per cent,” Kambosos told News Corp.
“I have activated the rematch clause. We haven’t finalised a venue. There’s options for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. It will be in Australia which is great.
“I know I can win a rematch. I will make some changes and this is my destiny to show how great I am and get those belts back.
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“The Emperor is dead, but Ferocious is still alive and I will be back.”
Haney has insisted that a rematch has to make sense, but there is also the chance he moves out of the lightweight division and is forced to vacate the belts to do so.
That scenario would mean Kambosos could fight for the belts yet again without needing to take another fight beforehand, but it remains unlikely.
Rumours have also swirled that Haney could wait to take on top lightweight contender Vasiliy Lomachenko, who went back to his home country of Ukraine to take up arms and defend against the Russian invasion.
However, Kambosos Jr. isn’t willing to let that eventuate and wants to take on Haney before anyone else gets a shot at the American champ.
“What kind of champion would I be if I just sat here and said it’s ok, I will wait for a chance that may never come,” Kambosos Jr. said.
“It’s not about money. It’s about getting back to the level I know I can be at.
“I know I can beat Haney. My confidence hasn’t been broken. On the day, Ferocious wasn’t at his best. I was just off a touch, but no excuses. Devin was the better fighter, he did what he had to do with his jab, he is a smart operator but I have to be smarter at my game plan next time.
“I am blessed to get the shot again and not many Australian boxers can say they’ve had three world title fights in a row.
“I shocked Lopez to win the belts, I lost them to Haney but now I will be working on a game plan to get the belts back.
“I have the eye of the tiger again.”
