Lee Selby vs. George Kambosos Jr. - 31 October 2020

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Lee Selby will take on George Kambosos Jr.

Lee Selby will take on George Kambosos Jr in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title on the undercard of the blockbuster Heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora on Saturday October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The pair were due to meet in Selby’s native Wales at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff earlier this year in May before the ongoing coronavirus pandemic forced the event to be postponed, but the rivals now have a chance to lock horns following a spicy build-up over the past few months.

Selby (28-2, 9 KOs), a former IBF Featherweight World Champion, edged out Scottish legend Ricky Burns via a majority decision at The O2 in London last October to stay in line for another World Title shot and now finds himself within touching distance of becoming a two-weight World Champion.

Kambosos Jr (18-0, 10 KOs), hailing from Sydney in Australia, defeated former World Champion Mickey Bey on away territory at Madison Square Garden in New York last time out to announce himself as a rising star of the Lightweight division and has vowed to ‘retire’ Selby.

“I’m delighted that Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing have managed to get this fight on again,” said Selby. “I’m one step away from a shot at the IBF Lightweight World Title and my dream of becoming Wales’ first ever two-weight World Champion.

“Kambosos Jr is a hungry young fighter that I know will bring it all, but I’ve had some of my best performances against Australian boxers stopping both Corey McConnell and Joel Brunker in title fights and October 31 will be no different.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said: “Lee Selby’s crucial clash with George Kambosos Jr is an exciting addition to the Usyk vs Chisora bill, with more fantastic fights to follow in the coming weeks.

“The classy Welshman is one of Britain’s most skilful operators, but the dangerous Kambosos Jr will be determined to fulfil his own ambitions. Can Lee Selby produce a vintage performance to earn another world Title fight? We’ll find out on October 31st before Usyk and Chisora collide in an enthralling Heavyweight showdown!”
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All signs point to Teofimo Lopez defending his newly won IBF lightweight title against Vasiliy Lomachenko in a unification match early next year, but there’ll be an obligation waiting for him if he does manage to come out victorious. Mike Coppinger reports that the sanctioning body has ordered a final eliminator between its highest-ranked contenders, George Kambosos Jr. and Lee Selby.



Kambosos (18-0, 10 KO) is coming off of the most notable victory of his career, a competitive decision over former champion Mickey Bey on last weekend’s Terence Crawford-Egidijus Kavaliauskas card. The 26-year-old is a training partner of Manny Pacquiao’s and has picked up some IBF and WBA trinkets in his career.

Selby (28-2, 9 KO), a former longtime featherweight champion, is still looking to find his footing at 135 pounds after losing his title to Josh Warrington last year. His February divisional debut saw him outlast a game Omar Douglas, after which he narrowly edged Ricky Burns in a gritty UK battle this past October. He’s six years older than Kambosos, though the two have similar dimensions.



BadLeftHook

[KiwiRider]

George Kambosos Jr fan here
Been watching him for a few years. I recon he can get it done.
The hungry young Aussie is finally on the world stage.
Nothing in the height and reach, I think it is age and milage that gives Ferocious George the edge.
But then I may be a little biased

[Ruthless-RKO]

George Kambosos Jr fan here
Been watching him for a few years. I recon he can get it done.
The hungry young Aussie is finally on the world stage.
Nothing in the height and reach, I think it is age and milage that gives Ferocious George the edge.
But then I may be a little biased

You catch him on the TC card.

[KiwiRider]

George Kambosos Jr fan here
Been watching him for a few years. I recon he can get it done.
The hungry young Aussie is finally on the world stage.
Nothing in the height and reach, I think it is age and milage that gives Ferocious George the edge.
But then I may be a little biased

You catch him on the TC card.

Sure did.
It was close, Bey brought it.
I would have liked George to have another step up before Selby.
His promoter believes George can do it, otherwise why risk it when he is apparently being groomed to fight Loma later this year?
Personally, I think it is more 60/40 to Selby, but I do give George a chance.

Edit: later next year.
Getting a bit ahead of myself..

[Ruthless-RKO]

You catch him on the TC card.

Sure did.
It was close, Bey brought it.
I would have liked George to have another step up before Selby.
His promoter believes George can do it, otherwise why risk it when he is apparently being groomed to fight Loma later this year?
Personally, I think it is more 60/40 to Selby, but I do give George a chance.

Edit: later next year.
Getting a bit ahead of myself..

Definitely a big challenge this. It’s been ordered anyway. So we’ll have to see what his team does. Who actually promotes him?

[KiwiRider]

Sure did.
It was close, Bey brought it.
I would have liked George to have another step up before Selby.
His promoter believes George can do it, otherwise why risk it when he is apparently being groomed to fight Loma later this year?
Personally, I think it is more 60/40 to Selby, but I do give George a chance.

Edit: later next year.
Getting a bit ahead of myself..

Definitely a big challenge this. It’s been ordered anyway. So we’ll have to see what his team does. Who actually promotes him?

Dibella signed him up mid last year.

[coneye]

Kambosos , is ready to step up , wether or not he can , the jurys out on this one , be interesting , Its boxing so you never know

[Delta Jay]

George gonna do him. Selby will lack the fire in his belly to deal with what GK will bring. Think it well get heated and GK will want it more. But I’ve been wrong before!

[KiwiRider]

George gonna do him. Selby will lack the fire in his belly to deal with what GK will bring. Think it well get heated and GK will want it more. But I’ve been wrong before!

I hope so!
Hang on, how come it's only me so far that voted for Kambosos Jr ?

[Ruthless-RKO]

George gonna do him. Selby will lack the fire in his belly to deal with what GK will bring. Think it well get heated and GK will want it more. But I’ve been wrong before!

I hope so!
Hang on, how come it's only me so far that voted for Kambosos Jr ?

No one else shares you’re opinion?

[KiwiRider]

I hope so!
Hang on, how come it's only me so far that voted for Kambosos Jr ?

No one else shares you’re opinion?

Well... Jay did.
And I admitted bias.

[Delta Jay]

No one else shares you’re opinion?

Well... Jay did.
And I admitted bias.

Just voted for you

[steve689]

Kambosos has talent and drive. The Bey fight opens up a few question marks but might just be an off night.

Selby always seems to leave fights hanging in the balance. Nothing's ever decisive.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Lightweights George Kambosos Jr. (18-0, 10 KOs), 26, of Australia, and former featherweight titlist Lee Selby (28-2, 9 KOs), 32, of Wales, who have both informed the IBF in writing they are willing to fight meet in an elimination bout to produce the mandatory challenger for titlist Teofimo Lopez Jr., were formally ordered to begin negotiations on Friday via a letter sent to both camps, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN. They must conclude talks by Jan. 11 of a purse bid will be ordered.

Dan Rafael, ESPN Senior Writer

[3132DW]

Hearn mentioned this fight for a Wales card with Córdina and several other Welsh fighters so imagine he’ll be bidding for it as well.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Hearn mentioned this fight for a Wales card with Córdina and several other Welsh fighters so imagine he’ll be bidding for it as well.

Eddie Hearn never wins purse bids.

He guaranteed to win the Warrington-Galahad purse bid. Galahad was hyping it too. He lost that to FW..

It may not go to purse bids tbh.

[Ruthless-RKO]

“On December 27, 2019 the IBF ordered #3 ranked [l]ightweight [c]ontender George Kambosos Jr. and #4 ranked [l]ightweight [c]ontender Lee Selby to begin negotiations for an [e]limination out for the #1 and [m]andatory ranking in the [l]ightweight division,” Daryl Peoples, president of the IBF stated in a letter submitted to all IBF-registered promoters, a copy of which BS.com has obtained. “An agreement could not be reached within the time frame set forth by the IBF.

“The IBF is ordering a purse bid hearing in these offices on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 12 Noon.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

George Kambosos, Lee Selby Reach Terms For IBF Title Eliminator

The teams representing George Kambosos Jr. and Lee Selby continue the early trend of deals getting done once provided just a little extra time.

A lightweight title eliminator—as ordered by the International Boxing Federation (IBF)—between the aforementioned contenders will proceed without being subject to a purse bid hearing, BS.com has learned. The bout was due to head to a purse bid, which was scheduled for January 28 at IBF headquarters in Springfield, New Jersey. It has since been delayed and now no longer necessary.

“[The purse bid hearing] was canceled,” Jeanette Salazar, spokesperson for the IBF confirmed to Boxing Scene. “[The two sides] have reached an agreement.”

The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger was the first to reveal the development, indicating that such a fight will likely take place on a DAZN show in the spring.

The fight was ordered by the IBF in late December, two weeks after Australia’s Kambosos Jr. (18-0, 10KOs) edged former titlist Mickey Bey at Madison Square Garden in New York City. From there, his team—which includes high-powered 2019 Manager of the Year nominee Peter Kahn and Hall of Fame-elected promoter Lou DiBella—opened up negotiations with Matchroom Boxing, whom represents Wales’ Selby (28-2, 9KOs).

Significant enough progress was made to leave both sides to believe that a deal could be reached, even in the presence of a looming purse bid hearing. That precisely turned out to be the case.

Selby is a former featherweight titlist who reigned for nearly three full years beginning with a May 2015 points win over then-unbeaten beltholder Evgeny Gradovich. His title stay ended just two weeks before his third anniversary as champ, conceding his belt to Josh Warrington in their May 2018 nail biter.

Two wins have followed for the Welshman, who turns 33 later this month. Both fights took place at lightweight and at The O2 in London, beginning with a 12-round points win over divisional gatekeeper Omar Douglas last February. Eight months later came a competitive but clear decision win over former three-division titlist Ricky Burns last October.

The winner of the yet-to-be-scheduled eliminator will become the mandatory challenger to recently crowned IBF lightweight titlist Teofimo Lopez. Kambosos’ win over Bey came on the same card as Lopez’ coronation, as the unbeaten Brooklyn native scored a crushing 2nd round knockout of Richard Commey to set up a super fight with unified lightweight titlist and pound for pound entrant Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-1, 10KOs).

A date has yet to be assigned for the multi-belt unification clash, although a targeted time frame of mid-to-late spring will perfectly align with whomever prevails between Kambosos Jr. and Selby.

The title eliminator marks the fourth major fight ordered by a sanctioning body to avoid a purse bid hearing due to granted deadline exceptions. All but one have involved Matchroom Boxing, including the lone remaining vacant lightweight title as England's Luke Campbell and Dominican Republic's Javier Fortuna agreed to terms in late January.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Lee Selby will take on George Kambosos Jr in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title on Saturday, May 9 at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN.

Selby (28-2, 9 KOs), a former IBF Featherweight World Champion, edged out Scottish legend Ricky Burns via a majority decision at The O2 in London last October to stay in line for another World Title shot and now finds himself within touching distance of becoming a two-weight World Champion.

Kambosos Jr (18-0, 10 KOs), hailing from Sydney in Australia, defeated former World Champion Mickey Bey on away territory at Madison Square Garden in New York last time out to announce himself as a rising star of the Lightweight division and has vowed to ‘retire’ Selby in front of his home crowd.

“It’s great to be boxing back at home in Cardiff after six years boxing all over the UK and US,” said Selby. “I’m one step away now from a shot at the IBF Lightweight World Title and my dream of becoming Wales’ first-ever two-weight World Champion.

“Kambosos Jr is a hungry young fighter that I know will bring it all, but I’ve had some of my best performances against Australian boxers stopping both Corey McConnell and Joel Brunker in title fights and May 9th will be no different.”

“I’m excited and I cannot wait to fight Lee Selby in this IBF World Title Eliminator on May 9th where the winner will become the Mandatory Challenger for the winner of Lomachenko vs. Lopez,” said Kambosos Jr.

“I defeated former World Champion Mickey Bey in his backyard at Madison Square Garden in December and I am ready to beat another former World Champion in his backyard in Cardiff, Wales.

“I’m excited for a fight of this magnitude and look forward to retiring Lee Selby in his hometown with a dominating and punishing performance in addition to gaining all of the UK supporters that will get behind me toward winning my World Title.”

Northern Irish Lightweight powerhouse James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) faces Welshman Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the British title in his very first contest as a Matchroom Boxing fighter, Bournemouth Cruiserweight talent Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), ‘The Welsh Wizard’ Joe Cordina (11-0, 7 KOs) returns home for the first time since 2018, rising Super-Middleweight monster John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) continues his march towards a first title shot and there’s action for Newport Bantamweight Sean McGoldrick (9-1, 2 KOs) and Swindon Super-Middleweight Jamie Cox (25-2, 14 KOs).

“I’m delighted to be coming back to the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff for the first time in 6 years,” said Eddie Hearn. “We’ve got a great card with a blistering main event that will be a real firecracker between Lee Selby and George Kambosos Jr with the winner being Mandatory to the winner of Lomachenko vs. Lopez.

“Joe Cordina will take another step up as he sets his sights on a World Title in the next 12 months and Belfast’s big-punching James Tennyson takes on Gavin Gwynne in a cracking fight. ‘The Gentleman’ Chris Billam-Smith defends his Commonwealth Title against Cardiff’s Nathan Thorley, Super-Middleweight powerhouse John Docherty marches on and former Super-Middleweight champ Jamie cox returns to action alongside Sean McGoldrick. There’s plenty to be added to what will be a guaranteed sell-out in Cardiff – see you there!”

“On May 9th, George will earn his right to fight for the IBF World Title by becoming the Mandatory Challenger,” said Peter Kahn, Manager of Kambosos Jr. “I have no doubt in my mind that George will defeat Lee Selby. This opportunity has been seven years in the making and George will take full advantage of what’s in front of him.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports’ Head of Boxing Development said: “Lee Selby is within touching distance of another World Title fight and we’re excited to be back in Wales for this must-win clash against George Kambosos Jr.

“Welsh boxing has given us some memorable nights down the years, with Robbie Regan, Steve Robinson, Nicky Piper, Barry Jones, Enzo Maccarinelli, Nathan Cleverly and of course Joe Calzaghe. We’ve loved covering some fabulous fights.

“Selby gave us a timely reminder of his classy skills against Ricky Burns, but his bid to become a two-weight World Champion could be ended by Kambosos Jr, who comes to Britain with big ambitions of his own.

“The local fans will really get behind Lee, on his long-awaited return to Cardiff, and he will be determined to produce a vintage display against the dangerous Kambosos Jr.”

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) go on General Sale on Monday, March 9 at midday via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), Motorpoint Arena Cardiff (www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk) Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

[Glass Joe]

I like CBS will make a weekend off it. Not many tv shows in Wales these days. Guessing its a hard sell for top promoters.

[Ruthless-RKO]

I like CBS will make a weekend off it. Not many tv shows in Wales these days. Guessing its a hard sell for top promoters.

Unless you're from Wales.

Hearn's last promoted show there was probably either a Selby show or a Cleverly card.

[Boxerbeetle]

I like CBS will make a weekend off it. Not many tv shows in Wales these days. Guessing its a hard sell for top promoters.

Unless you're from Wales.

Hearn's last promoted show there was probably either a Selby show or a Cleverly card.

Unless you count the AJ bills

[Boxerbeetle]

This is in my backyard so I’ll be going, although I sense this is one of those shows that I’ll attend on my own as none of my mates will be bothered.

[margaret thatcher]

Selby is one of those guys I just can't be arsed for

F@ck ya Tenny though

[Delta Jay]

A welsh card with a load of welsh fighters on sounds alright to me and I’m from nowhere near. Bet it would be the good kind of rowdy.

I like Kambosos too.