Ding, ding.
Two weekends ago, George “Ferocious” Kambosos Jr fought like a Spartan in the boxing ring against Lee Selby.
Now he's ready to shock the world with the biggest fight in Australian boxing history... between him and Teofimo Lopez.
Rewinding to before the fight, George recalled that from the moment he arrived in the UK from Miami (where his training camp was), he was in a "bubble" at the hotel. Everything- the gym, media area, food station and his own space (his room), was in the hotel. He didn't leave at all until the fight.
"It was a whole different experience, but again, we were very, very positive. The whole team was super excited. I was so relaxed, and just super focused on the job ahead. It was a different week, it was an interesting week, something that in my whole career I have never had to experience but through these crazy times, you know, it had to be done. And it’s something to look back now in the future, and say what a crazy experience to fight under, obviously we got the job done," he said.
The day finally came.
The day Kambosos vs Selby.
"It was great, I was so happy. Obviously I was so focused on the job. I had to win this fight, but I was so excited, that finally I was in the ring with this guy after so many months of many 'it’s on'/'it’s not on', 'this is happening'/'this is not happening', it was great," he added.
"I executed the perfect game plan. I am very, very happy of my great win in the biggest fight of my career."
The fight was definitely exciting and thrilling to watch!
Kambosos (19-0, 10 KOs) prevailed 118-110 and 116-112 against a bizarre card of 115-114 from judge Phil Edwards in a split decision.
"It was a huge win, a massive achievement, to go into someone else’s backyard and win the fight."
“I told you I’d do it, I’m too fast, too strong, too aggressive, too smart, too powerful – everything."
Kambosos remains undefeated in 19 professional fights. "We are already building a big reputation for doing things a little bit different, being on the road, and fighting these big names of former world champions. We are working hard."
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHhfIwKpKnE/
Now it's mandatory. Kambosos vs Lopez. "Obviously I am number 1 now, I’m in line to fight him, and I’m sure he would like to come to Australia."
"Lopez, you know what it is now. Let’s do it Down Under. Two warriors, two lions, let’s go to war. Let’s do it – I want that fight.”
The day after winning, George was found back in the gym training. "I didn’t stop. I’m just so focused on becoming a World Champion now... It’s just there now, it’s so close. I can see it all, so straight back into the gym, straight into work. There is still more things to improve on, still more things to keep getting better and better at," he said.
He continually improves and gets better and better because he doesn't take too much time off. "I don’t rest, I don’t just think alright I had a great win, I’m going to just relax now and enjoy it. I get back into the gym and I keep working hard and improving my game."
When it comes to George's fans around the world, he has no words. He is extremely grateful for all their support. "Again the support has been amazing. From not only Australia, but from all the Greeks, they were able to watch it in Greece live [on Cosmote], which was fantastic. When I first found out, that gave me huge, even extra motivation that I’m the best fighter, that I’m representing the Greeks, you know it was exciting to hear that. The support has been great, everyone supporting me back home in Australia as well, it’s been awesome."
"I’m just focused and hungry to now become a World Champion. I know that my next fight is that. I’m one fight, one win away from achieving that goal, and everyone is excited for me, and I’m ready to make them proud."
The champion is also looking forward to reuniting with his family, after being away from them for so long. "Its been a long 6/7 weeks now without my two kids, family, friends and all the good people that are part of this journey. But it was all worth it, to come away with a fantastic win and to become world number 1, you know, it's definitely all worth it."
George, you have made us all proud.
Greek City Times will continue to follow and support George ‘Ferocious’ Kambosos Jr on his journey to championship glory.
Ding, ding.
*Images by Nick Bourdaniotis/Bourdo Photography (Copyright) and from George ‘Ferocious’ Kambosos Jr (social media)
