The Corona virus pandemic has claimed or delayed yet another epic match up for Aussie boxing.
George Kambosos Jr, currently undefeated at 18-0 (10kos), was scheduled to fight former IBF Featherweight World champion, Lee Selby in an elimination bout for the opportunity to fight current IBF Lightweight World Champion Teofimo Lopez.
The bout was originally scheduled for July 11 on a Matchroom card, has been officially rescheduled.
This is the official press release
“In line with the latest BBBofC and Government guidelines relating to COVID-19, Matchroom Boxing have taken the decision to reschedule their events due to take place in Newcastle on Saturday June 27th and Cardiff on Saturday July 11th, while the event taking place at Manchester Arena on Saturday July 4th has been cancelled.
“Subject to the developing situation, Lee Selby’s IBF lightweight world title final eliminator against George Kambosos Jr at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff has been rescheduled to Saturday October 3rd, while Lewis Ritson’s clash with former world champion Miguel Vazquez at the Utilita Arena Newcastle has been rescheduled to Saturday October 17th.
“Tickets will be valid for the rescheduled dates in Cardiff and Newcastle or refunds will be available from your point of purchase. Tickets for the cancelled Manchester event will be available from your point of purchase.”
This means that Australian boxing will have to wait until 2021 for Kambosos Jr (pending that he defeats Selby) to contend for the IBF Lightweight title, and it’s been a long time between drinks for an Aussie to contend for the IBF Lightweight Title.
Three time and division champion, Jeff Fenech, was the last Australian fighter to contend for the IBF Lightweight Title in May of 1996, against then champ Phillip Holiday.
Holiday quickly dealt with Fenech with a second round TKO, that put Fenech into retirement, and Australian boxing hasn’t had contender for the title since. Pending in Kambosos Jr can obtain an title shot next year it will be 25 years since the Holiday v Fenech bout.
This is a real shame as Australian continues to play the waiting game for the sport to return, Top Rank will start having events this month featuring the Moloney Twins, but with Kambosos Jr v Selby and Horn v Tszyu, Australian boxing continues to play the waiting game.