Take two: The rematch between Devin Haney and George Kambosos Jr takes place this weekend
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Devin Haney and George Kambosos Jr are set for a highly-anticipated rematch tonight.
Undisputed lightweight world champion Haney puts all his belts on the line against Australian Kambosos Jr at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena.
The American made the long trip to Australia in June and returned with the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts to go with his WBC title, after dominating Kambosos throughout the bout and winning by a wide margin on all three cards.
That was the first defeat of Kambosos’ career, coming after he catapulted himself to the top of the lightweight division with victory over Teofimo Lopez, but, while there was not a huge desire to see the fight again, the Australian had a rematch clause which he has opted to excercise.
His comments after the second fight was confirmed suggest he has little interest in rebuilding his career should he suffer another defeat to Haney.
“I’m 29, this is do or die for me now,” Kambosos Jr said. “You will not see me - if I don’t overcome this fight - back in Australia fighting, you know, domestic guys. That’s not me.”
As for Haney, the 23-year-old old will be looking for a similiar outcome to maintain his position as the only undisputed champion at the weight since the four-belt era began.
Haney vs Kambosos Jr 2 date, start time, venue and ring walks
Haney vs Kambosos takes place on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
The ring walks for the main event should take place in the early hours of Sunday morning in the UK, at around 3:30am BST.
Haney vs Kambosos Jr 2 fight card/undercard in full
Devin Haney vs George Kambosos Jr
Jason Moloney vs Nawaphon Kaikanha
Andrew Moloney vs Norbelto Jimenez
Cherneka Johnson vs Susie Ramadan
Hemi Ahio vs Faiga Opelu
Lorenzo Simpson vs Marcus Heywood
Amari Jones vs Tej Pratap Singh
John Mannu vs Adrian Sosa
David Nyika vs Titi Motusaga
How to watch Haney vs Kambosos Jr 2
TV channel: In the UK, Haney vs Kambosos is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Arena, with coverage getting underway at 1am BST.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the card via the Sky Go App.
Haney vs Kambosos Jr 2 fight prediction
Considering how comfortable a victory it was for Haney the first time around, it’s difficult to see how Kambosos can close the significant gap just four months later.
The American is now 28-0, with seven of his last nine wins coming by unanimous decision. His fights are not necessarily full of thrills and spills, but few look as technically and defensively sound.
A knockout never looked particularly likely in the first fight, for all of Haney’s control, and Kambosos is not the biggest of punches himself so it would be a surprise if this bout did not go the distance once again.
Kambosos will surely produce an improved display, backed by his home fans and his comments about potential retirement suggest he will not be leaving anything in the tank.
Even with a different gameplan from the Australian it’s hard to imagine a different outcome, with Haney set to retain all the lightweight belts and set up a whole host of massive fights back in the USA in the years to come.
Haney to win by unanimous decision.
Haney vs Kambosos Jr 2 weigh-in results
Haney came in at 134.81lbs with Kambosos Jr 134.04lbs... and things got a little heated shortly afterwards!
CHAOS IN MELBOURNE AS HANEY & KAMBOSOS ERUPT 😤 pic.twitter.com/gynO7t87I7
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 14, 2022
Haney vs Kambosos Jr 2 betting odds
Haney to win: 1/8
Kambosos to win: 4/1
Draw: 25/1
Haney to win by decision/technical decision: 2/5
Haney to win by KO, TKO or DQ: 7/2
Kambosos to win by decision/technical decision: 9/1
Kambosos to win by KO, TKO or DQ: 11/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
