Lomachenko vs. Kambosos Jr.

Lomachenko vs. Kambosos wil be streamed prime time to the US on Saturday, May 11, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, all live on ESPN+ 

George Kambosos Jr. is itching for a shiny new strap to sling over his shoulder, but a Ukrainian boxing wizard, Vasiliy Lomachenko, with a trophy case bulging with three-division world champion bling, is plotting to pen yet another victory verse in his Hall of Fame saga.

This showdown for the vacant IBF lightweight crown is part of a trio of title tussles on Sunday, May 12, (May 11 USA time)  at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Stay tuned for the reveal of two more title tangles in the days ahead.

Kambosos, hailing from Sydney with a record of 21 wins and 2 losses, including 10 KOs, took the scenic route through the lightweight division, turning pro in 2013 and taking his sweet time to climb the ranks. He shot to the top of the IBF leaderboard after outfoxing Lee Selby in 2020. Fast forward to 2021, and he’s flipping the script with a jaw-dropping split decision win over Teofimo Lopez, snagging the unified champ title in what was dubbed the Upset of the Year. His 2022 bout against Haney pulled a massive crowd to Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, over 41,000 strong, but alas, he couldn’t clinch the win, losing to Haney twice in a row. Yet, like a phoenix from the ashes, “The Emperor” clawed his way back in July 2023, squeezing past Maxi Hughes to once again stand on the precipice of world title fame.

Lomachenko, with a tally of 17 wins and 3 losses, boasting 11 knockouts, isn’t just any boxer; he’s a double-decker Olympic champ who snagged the featherweight crown in just his third pro rumble and danced through divisions to become a triple-threat champ faster than you can say “knockout.” Despite being the small guy at lightweight, “Loma” bulldozed through Jorge Linares, Jose Pedraza, and Luke Campbell, pocketing three belts like it was no big deal. After a hiccup in 2020, losing on points to Teofimo Lopez in the glitzy MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, he bounced back with a trio of victories. In a plot twist, he swapped gloves for camo, joining a defense battalion amidst the Russia-Ukraine tiff. Last May, he nearly nabbed the undisputed lightweight crown, only to be edged out by the slick Devin Haney in a decision that had fans howling.

Australia’s Andrew Moloney is set to clash with Pedro Guevara for the WBC Interim junior bantamweight world title on a gripping Sunday night, May 12, at Perth’s RAC Arena. This last-minute matchup, sparked by Carlos Cuadras’ unexpected dropout due to an injury, adds spice to an already exciting lineup.

The event also spotlights a showdown for the vacant IBF lightweight world title between Vasiliy Lomachenko and George Kambosos Jr., and Nina Hughes defending her WBA bantamweight world title against Cherneka Johnson. It’s a full plate of top-contender fights that fans won’t want to miss, all beamed live on ESPN and its platforms on May 11.

Moloney is eager to leave a lasting impression and decisively triumph over Guevara, signaling his readiness to scale the 115-pound division heights again. Guevara, with a commendable record and a former title to his name, is equally poised to capture the WBC green belt, promising an unforgettable fight.

Both fighters, each with their own stakes and stories, promise to deliver a memorable night. Beyond the main events, the undercard is brimming with talent and potential show-stoppers, ensuring non-stop action streaming on ESPN+.