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July 10, 2023
By: Kirk Jackson
Re-upping on his deal, former unified and lineal lightweight world champion George Kambosos Jr. (20-2, 10 KO’s), has signed a multi-fight co-promotional agreement with Top Rank, who will work in conjunction with DiBella Entertainment and Ferocious Promotions to present his fights.
“George Kambosos Jr. is an exciting fighter and an engaging personality who will continue to make great fights in the lightweight division. We are thrilled that he has signed a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
“Top Rank was involved in two historical promotions in Australia with George, and we have no doubt that there will be many more to come.”
Embarking on his professional career in 2013, venturing to various places such as Malaysia, Greece, London, New York City, Connecticut, and Las Vegas, the Aussie further cultivated his toughness as a road warrior, in efforts to become a top contender.
Sporting wins over former world champions Mickey Bey and Lee Selby, helped propel Kambosos to the opportunity of a lifetime at the grandest stage, with the chance to capture three world titles against the former unified lightweight Teofimo Lopez in November 2021. This event, taking place on enemy turf, at the Hulu Theater at the Madison Square Garden, in New York, New York.
In a highly entertaining battle that saw both men hit the canvas, Kambosos defeated Lopez via split decision, a victory that was named ESPN’s Upset of the Year.
Never to settle on his laurels, Kambosos followed up in 2022, taking on the heavily avoided WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney, in back-to-back battles for the undisputed lightweight world titles, both instancing taking place in Melbourne, Australia.
While falling short of his bid to be undisputed against Haney, this shortcoming doesn’t negate his accomplishments, nor rise to emperor status.
“I am thrilled to continue DBE’s long-standing relationship with George and team Kambosos,” said boxing promoter Lou DiBella.
“George is the epitome of a championship-caliber fighter. He proved himself on foreign soil, became undisputed champion, fought in two of the biggest fights in Aussie boxing history, and has insisted on fighting the best.”
“This co-promotional agreement with Top Rank presents George with prime-time US opportunities on ESPN’s expansive platform, while remaining a PPV fighter in Australia. It creates an easier road to future mega-fights against Top Rank stars. I’m happy to again partner with Bob Arum and his great company.”
As DiBella alluded to, this agreement will lead to more opportunities for Kambosos, along with continued growth for his professional career and expansion as a potential brand moving forward.
Fresh in the prime of his career, the 29-year-old Australian is set to embark on his next, and perhaps greatest chapter.
“I am extremely excited to extend and sign a multi-fight co-promotional agreement with my longtime promoter, DiBella Entertainment, and my new co-promoter Top Rank,” said Kambosos in a statement.
“This is a very exciting time in my career having the backing, support and guidance from two powerhouse American promoters, as I begin my journey back to the championship. I would like to thank my co-promoters, Lou DiBella and Bob Arum, and my manager, Jim Kambosos, for getting this multi-fight deal done. ‘Ferocious’ is back to reclaim glory and give the great boxing fans the best fights against the best fighters in the world.”
Those potential fights may be against the likes of Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Jamaine Ortiz, all conveniently under the Top Rank umbrella.
The heavily stacked lightweight division also has arguably boxing’s biggest star, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, along with Michele Rivera, Frank Martin, and a slew of other young, talented fighters Kambosos can test his might against.