Former unified lightweight world champion George Kambosos Jr will make his return to the ring in July against Englishman Maxi Hughes in the US.
It’s the first step in the Australian’s bid to rebuild his career after he lost his lightweight belts to Devin Haney, who he fought twice in Australia last year.
The July 23 bout in Shawnee, Oklahoma, will see the British fighter’s IBO belt up for grabs and will serve as an IBF title eliminator.
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“I am extremely excited and motivated to make a serious statement against Maxi Hughes in my return fight in the United States, the Mecca of boxing,” Kambosos told DAZN.com
“Having fought the best lightweight boxers in the world, I now know I have become an even better fighter and have added further artillery and weapons to my overall fight game.
“Maxi Hughes is a good boxer, a tough Englishman, and I’m sure he will try his best, but I know and he knows that his best will not be enough.
“Hughes is not elite, and when you have been in there with elite boxers like I have, you pick up on the mistakes in a boxer like Hughes.
“I will claim his IBO world title and the IBF world title eliminator position on July 22.”
Kambosos, 29, (20-2-0) is currently No.7 in the IBF rankings, one above 33-year-old Hughes (26-5-2).
Kambosos will headline the fight night with rising American lightweight star Keyshawn Davis taking on former European champion Francesco Patera.
“George insisted on a meaningful fight to begin his comeback. He’s never taken the easy route,” American promoter Lou DiBella said.
“Maxi Hughes is a legit top-10 lightweight and a high-risk fight for George coming off two losses against Devin Haney.
“For Maxi, this is the opportunity he’s been fighting for. This is his chance to prove that all of those fights he won as the underdog meant something.”
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