A dispute over the ring walk order has escalated into a full-blown drama ahead of the lightweight world title clash between Aussie George Kambosos Jr. and boxing legend Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Kambosos' team, citing his status as hometown hero, former unified lightweight world champion, and reigning IBO titleholder, insists he should be given the honor of walking second.
However, Lomachenko's camp argues that their fighter, with his illustrious achievements and greater recognition, deserves to be considered the A-side and walk out after Kambosos.
Currently, Lomachenko is scheduled to enter the ring first at Perth's RAC Arena on Sunday afternoon. Kambosos' team is pushing for a coin toss during the weigh-in to resolve this issue.
"We're still discussing the process," Jim Kambosos, George's father and manager, stated. "Lomachenko's team is adamant he walks second, while George walks first. But I'm pushing for a coin toss."
While Lomachenko is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of the modern era, Jim Kambosos believes his son's championship status should hold more weight.
"Lomachenko is fantastic, but George has achieved more," he said. "He was the undisputed champion, something Lomachenko never accomplished. And he still holds the IBO title, while Lomachenko has nothing."
Lomachenko previously held the WBA, WBC, and WBO lightweight titles but lost them to Teofimo Lopez in 2020. Kambosos then shocked the boxing world by defeating Lopez in 2021 to claim the same belts. However, he lost them all to Devin Haney in two consecutive fights.
Kambosos has since regained the IBO belt by defeating Maxi Hughes. This weekend's clash against Lomachenko promises to be a career-defining moment for both fighters.
Jim Kambosos revealed that there have been several other disagreements between the two camps leading up to the fight.
"This whole walking order thing is just one of three dramas that have been going on for six days now," he said. "It's boxing, and I've seen it all at this level."
