Jorge Linares, a seasoned former three-division world champion, has made his prediction for the upcoming lightweight clash, favoring Vasily Lomachenko against George Kambosos Jr. in their battle for the vacant IBF title on May 12th at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Having shared the ring with Lomachenko, Linares brings a unique perspective to the table, underscoring the Ukrainian's prowess and the challenges that lie ahead for Kambosos Jr.
Linares characterizes Kambosos Jr. as a “gym champion,” suggesting that while the 30-year-old Australian may exhibit potential during training, his performance on fight night has historically fallen short. This critique comes in the wake of Kambosos Jr.’s notable victory over Teofimo Lopez in 2021—a win that stands as the highlight of an otherwise underwhelming career trajectory, according to Linares.
The boxing community has closely observed Kambosos Jr.’s recent performances, including back-to-back defeats to Devin Haney in 2022 and a controversial win against Maxi Hughes in July of the same year. These outcomes have sparked debate over Kambosos Jr.’s standing in the lightweight division, with some suggesting that his competitive edge may be waning.
Linares expresses unwavering confidence in Lomachenko’s capabilities, attributing the Ukrainian’s success to a rigorous training regimen and an extensive amateur background that has equipped him with the skills necessary to excel in professional boxing. Despite facing setbacks, including controversial losses, Linares remains convinced of Lomachenko's superiority and resilience in the face of adversity.
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