Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos | ESPN - May 11, 2024

[Ruthless-RKO]

CARLOS CUADRAS-ANDREW MOLONEY, NINA HUGHES-CHERNEKA JOHNSON LAND ON LOMACHENKO-KAMBOSOS PERTH SHOW

Carlos Cuadras and Andrew Moloney are both in line to challenge for separate 115-pound titles.

They instead turn to each other for their next payday.

The Ring has confirmed that a Cuadras-Moloney interim WBC 115-pound title fight is set for May 12 in Perth, Australia. The bout will serve as the co-feature to the already confirmed Vasiliy Lomachenko-George Kambosos vacant IBF lightweight title fight.

WBA bantamweight titlist Nina Hughes (6-0, 2 knockouts), No. 2 at 118, will defend versus Melbourne’s Cherneka Johnson (15-2, 6 KOs) on the same show. All three bouts will air live on ESPN in the U.S. and Main Event Pay-Per-View in Australia. The Ring has confirmed the full show is expected to be announced on Wednesday by Top Rank, DiBella Entertainment and Ferocious Promotions.

Mexico City’s Cuadras (42-5-1. 28 KOs), No. 5 at 115, remains deep in the mix in one of the sport’s toughest divisions. The former full WBC titlist claimed an interim version with a twelve-round win over countryman Pedro Guevara last Nov. 17 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The bout was held in honor of the annual WBC convention; Cuadras used the opportunity to resurrect his career.

The win was the third in a row for Cuadras, all after a Feb. 2022 loss to San Antonio’s Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs). Cuadras was due to rematch former Ring/WBC champ Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (56-6-1, 46 KOs), No 7. at 115, who fell ill just a week out. Rodriguez, No. 1 at 112 and No. 10 pound-for-pound, won the vacant WBC 115-pound title in a fight he accepted on just six days’ notice.

Cuadras sat out for more than a year before he returned with a three-win 2023 campaign. The run included the secondary WBC belt, which puts him in line for the main strap.

Similarly, Australia’s Moloney (26-3, 16 KOs), No. 4 at 115, is the top-rated WBO contender. Kosei Tanaka (20-1, 11 KOs), No. 3 at 115, recently won the WBO belt in February and is mulling his next move. The Ring has learned that Tanaka entered negotiations with Argentina’s Fernando ‘Puma’ Martinez (16-0, 9 KOs), The Ring No.2 contender and the IBF titleholder.

Moloney will fight in his home country for the second straight time. The 33-year-old from Kingscliff returned down under for a ten-round win over Judy Flores last Dec. 9 in Albert Park. It was his first fight after a devastating 12th round knockout to Junto Nakatani in their May 20 WBO 115-pound title fight.

Nakatani (27-0, 20 KOs), No. 1 at 118, moved up to bantamweight earlier this year. He dethroned WBC titlist Alexandro Santiago (28-4-5, 14 KOs), No. 6 at 118, in the sixth-round on a Feb. 24 title fight tripleheader from Tokyo.

The move worked to the benefit of Moloney, whose ranking gives him a second shot at the WBO 115-pound title. However, he and Cuadras both risk their lofty positions to meet in a fight where both face a must-win situation.

The timing of the fight works out well. As previously reported by The Ring, Rodriguez is in advanced talks to next face Juan Francisco Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs), The Ring 115-pound champ. Estrada also holds the WBC title, which puts into a play a potential mandatory title shot for the Cuadras-Moloney winner.

[Ruthless-RKO]

CARLOS CUADRAS (ACHILLES) OUT, ANDREW MOLONEY SEEKS NEW OPPONENT FOR MAY 12 IN AUSTRALIA

Andrew Moloney is on the hunt for a new foe.

The Ring has confirmed that Mexico City’s Carlos Cuadras was forced to withdraw from a previously scheduled bout versus Moloney. Cuadras suffered a torn Achilles, for which he already underwent surgery. The recovery process will extend well beyond their planned May 12 interim WBC 115-pound title fight in Perth, Australia.

Moloney will remain on the show, likely still in the ESPN co-feature slot to the Vasiliy Lomachenko-George Kambosos vacant IBF lightweight title fight. The Ring has learned that Pedro Guevara has emerged as the leading candidate to replace his countryman.

Cuadras (42-5-1. 28 knockouts), No. 5 at 115, defeated Guevara (41-4-1, 22 KOs) via decision in their interim WBC title fight last Nov. 17 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The bout was held in honor of the annual WBC convention. Cuadras used the opportunity to resurrect his career after having previously held the full WBC title.

Moloney (26-3, 16 KOs), No. 4 at 115, is the top-rated WBO contender but was willing to challenge for the secondary WBC title.

He still gets to fight in his home country for the second straight time. The 33-year-old from Kingscliff returned down under for a ten-round win over Judy Flores last Dec. 9 in Albert Park. It was Moloney’s first fight after a devastating 12th round knockout to Junto Nakatani (27-0, 20 KOs), No. 1 at 118, last May 20 in Las Vegas.

The fight versus Nakatani was for the vacant WBO 115-pound title. Moloney resurfaced to the top of the queue after Nakatani vacated to campaign at bantamweight.

The rest of the show still remains intact.

WBA bantamweight titlist Nina Hughes (6-0, 2 knockouts), No. 2 at 118, will defend versus Melbourne’s Cherneka Johnson (15-2, 6 KOs) in the ESPN-televised opener. The show will also air live on Main Event Pay-Per-View in Australia.

Ukraine’s Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs) and Sydney’s Kambosos (21-2, 10 KOs) meet in a vacant title fight between former RING lightweight champs. Lomachenko is a is ranked No. 1 at 135 by The Ring. Kambosos is the Ring No. 9-rated lightweight.

[wrighty]

I like Maloney, he's had some set backs but never gave up and kept trying

[KiwiRider]

Top Rank have put together an 8 minute high definition Loma highlight package leading up to this card.

The 8 minutes flys by with the sweet science of peak Loma. Enjoy

[NazNaci1]

Love Lomo but not sure if he has the stuffing taken out of him, with some of those losses. Thought all his losses were disputed. Salido and Haney definitely and the loss to Lopez was harsh on the scoring.

Kambosis has speed and I will always pull for Lomo but I don't know.

[Gran Hermano]

Think he makes Kambosos look as silly as Haney managed to make him look

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!!

[Ruthless-RKO]

Here’s how the experts see it:

THE RING

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: LOMACHENKO UD

“To me this boils down to what does Lomachenko have left after a glittering amateur and professional career. If he is close to his best, he schools Kambosos. If not, Kambosos is more than capable of giving the Ukrainian great lots of trouble. I think this will be somewhere in between with Lomachenko a step ahead and dealing with Kambosos to win a 12-round unanimous decision.”

LEE GROVES: LOMACHENKO UD

“Critics can rightly say that Kambosos hasn’t been the same since his upset win over Teofimo Lopez and many thought Maxi Hughes had done enough to defeat him in his most recent appearance. In fact, Kambosos’ last lights-out performance was a sixth-round TKO against Richard Pena in his ancestral home of Athens, Greece in June 2019, nearly five years ago. If he beats Lomachenko in emphatic fashion before his home fans in Australia, he will fend off those who label him a “one-hit wonder.” As for Lomachenko, he’s a shoo-in future Hall of Famer, but the big questions surrounding him are age, inactivity and attrition. He hasn’t fought in nearly a year, and, at 36, he is in the sunset of a magnificent career, but I believe he can still summon enough echoes of his past to score a unanimous decision victory.”

DIEGO MORILLA: LOMACHENKO UD

“Kambosos has already shown he’s capable of defying and beating the odds, but this is different. Lomachenko is a bit past his prime already, but he’s still crafty and savvy enough to deal with the Kambosos of the world. The question is how much longer he’ll be able to do so, but this time he’ll certainly be able to do it.”

MARTY MULCAHEY: LOMACHENKO UD

“A part of this comes down to whether I trust a quickly aging 36-year-old Vasyl Lomachenko or a battle worn 30-year-old George Kambosos? When in doubt go with the man with a wider array of weapons to work with, and that for me is Lomachenko. I don’t believe Kambosos has the legs to pin down or trap the still crafty and imminently better boxer in Lomachenko. For one punch Lomachenko remains quicker, and that ability is maximized by Kambosos inherent lack of defense. I see this as a runaway victory for Lomachenko, who even if tagged by Kambosos on occasion has the chin and recouperation capability to get out of trouble. Maybe Kambosos wins two rounds? I know this looks somewhat insulting to Kambosos, but believe me this is more about my appreciation for the Hall of Fame capabilities of Lomachenko.”

RON BORGES: LOMACHENKO UD

“Kambosos is as tough as 20 miles of detours but toughness alone won’t get it done against a skillful fighter as Lomachenko. Maybe Loma is starting to slip a bit but he won’t slip far enough for Kambosos to beat him. Loma by clear decision.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: LOMACHENKO TKO 10

“Lomachenko has a chance to remind the world and perhaps himself that he still possesses much of the skill so aptly defined by his original nickname: Hi-Tech. With apologies to Roy Jones Jr., you’all must’ve forgot. A defeat can do that, even one as controversial as his scorecard loss to Devin Haney in his last bout in May 2023. It was unanimous on the cards, but contentious among fans who thought Lomachenko had done enough for at least a draw. Against George Kambosos in Western Australia, Lomachenko can prove those fans right. Kambosos, an Aussie, is 1-2 over his last three. He struggled in his last one, a win over Maxi Hughes. Hughes doesn’t have much in common with the accomplished Lomachenko. But there’s one thing: They’ were both left-handed. Kambosos often looked baffled by Hughes’ southpaw style. Against Lomachenko’s varied skill set, he’ll have no clue in a bout that figures to end in a late-round stoppage.”

BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): LOMACHENKO UD

“It’s very difficult to see where the loser of this fight goes, a definite crossroads fight for both of these two proud warriors. They clash for the vacant IBF world lightweight title Kambosos won against Teo Lopez. That was a shock. However, he was comfortably beaten by Devin Haney, who has since moved up in weight. Equally, Lomachenko was beaten by Haney, and there lies the benchmark. Many ringside observers considered Lomachenko desperately unlucky to lose on points. Kambosos lost clearly to Haney while Lomachenko clearly is an old man in boxing terms, but this man is like a fine wine and has preserved himself well as a master boxer. I don’t see Kambosos winning this fight. Lomachenko wins via a unanimous points decision.“

SERGIO MORA: (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ COMMENTATOR): KAMBOSOS PTS

“Loma is still a threat! I think he still has enough to win this fight. Loma struggled against a much bigger Teofimo and taller, longer Haney, still both fights were very close! Against Kambosos he won’t have that much to overcome physically, but I like Kambosos by close decision. It’ll be extremely hard to get decision down under. Kambosos by decision.”

TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): LOMACHENKO UD

“With the way Haney vs. Garcia unfolded, we should be ready for anything. However, unless Lomachenko has fallen off a cliff since the Haney performance, I can’t see Kambosos beating him. For me, Maxi Hughes comfortably outpointed the Australian brawler last July and it’s down to styles. Hughes is a mobile lefty who can be hard to pin down. Well, if Maxi can frustrate the life out of George, then what can Loma do? Kambosos is a pure warrior and he’s never been stopped, so he’ll be hard to discourage. I think Lomachenko wins almost every round on the way to a lopsided decision. He might even score a knockdown or two.”

STEVE KIM (THE 3 KNOCKDOWN RULE): LOMACHENKO UD

“The main question I have here is if Lomachenko, in the wake of what was a very dubious decision against Haney last year, still has his heart in this game and his career. Based on styles and skills, he still figures to have a significant advantage over Kambosos. Now, the fight is in his backyard, but that didn’t help him versus Haney in two tries. My view is that Loma will still be a cut or two above Kambosos. He will win a clear decision ‘Down Under’.”

JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): LOMACHENKO UD

“I am a big fan of both of these guys. Kambosos incredible win against Teofimo Lopez opened the doors for opportunities that he may not have had otherwise, you have to credit the fighter who seizes the opportunity the way he has. Lomachenko on the other hand is a true professional as well, he’s fought the best in the world consistently throughout his career. I think this is a very tough fight for George though, Lomachenko’s footwork and angles may be too much for him in this one. Kambosos has quick hands, but I think he is too stationary to keep up with his opponent in this one. Lomachenko by unanimous decision in an entertaining fight.”

ROBERT DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): LOMACHENKO UD

“Loma vs Kambosos is a fight that both must win. Both are against the wall, both need the win to get them back into the bigger fights, and a loss really sets them back and possibly sends into retirement. Loma has been giving up so much advantages fighting at 135, he’s getting away with it because of his high IQ. In this fight, Kambosos has the size advantage. I really feel Kambosos will fight the fight of his life and will be the aggressor but that will benefit the master boxer Loma. I see an entertaining bout and in the end Loma get a well deserved unanimous decision.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): LOMACHENKO PTS

“Kambosos vs Lomachenko is a pick ’em fight. Lomachenko is older now, prime-for-prime the easy pick is in favor of Lomachenko. But the clock has ticked and both will fight their best fight on fight night. But father time will play a role and I think there will be a few good rounds that can go to one or the other. Winner? I’ll stay with Lomachenko, he just may find that extra in him to pull the judges in his favor.”

RICH MAROTTA (COMMENTATOR): LOMACHENKO TKO 8

“The Lomachenko-Kambosos match is legit, but nowhere near as layered as the other big fights we have been, and will be, treated to this year. It’s an A+ fighter against a B fighter. Loma has the advantage in every category except age. I suspect he will study Kambosos at first, begin slowly breaking him down around the third or fourth round, build his advantage with each succeeding round, and stop Kambosos around the eighth.”

JOLENE MIZZONE (MANAGER): LOMACHENKO UD

“I just think in this one Loma has the better boxing skills and it will show in the fight. I am hoping after Loma fought Haney he will learn that he can’t just do enough to win, he has to make a statement and box his ears off to prove that he still belongs in there with all the lightweights.”

ALEX STEEDMAN (COMMENTATOR): LOMACHENKO PTS

“Every day that passes seems to enhance the notion that George Kambosos’s win over Teofimo Lopez was a weird glitch in the matrix. And while some will question the disposable powers available these days to the man, Lomachenko, who once spirited above mortals from that domain, he still looks a level or two above Kambosos. The Aussie will blast as many fast right hands as he can but recent results, including against a lesser southpaw, underline he’s simply not good enough. Lomachenko showed against Haney he’s still very, very good and I expect him to win convincingly. A break down, beat down stoppage is possible but Kambosos is tough and brings attitude so I think points is the likely route for Loma.”

RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/COMMENTATOR): LOMACHENKO KO 9

“Loma is a well preserved veteran and knows all the tricks of the trade. He will KO a very prideful Kambosos in his home country in Round 9.”

JOHN SCULLY (TRAINER): LOMACHENKO UD

“It’s tough to pick with confidence either way because we’ve seen so little of Loma as of late but assuming he continues with the same focus and dedication and assuming that his skills have been preserved I would see him winning a pretty clear unanimous decision from Kambosos. Kambosos is a very good fighter but Loma when he is right is something special.”

BOB SANTOS (TRAINER): LOMACHENKO UD

“I see Loma gathering data in the first two or three rounds and from that point really starting to dominate the fight. I think Kambosos has the heart of a champiom and he’s going to try to press and give his best effort but it’s not gonna be enough. I think he’s going to get very frustrated and run into a lot of punches.”

WAYNE MCCULLOUGH (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): LOMACHENKO TKO 7

“Kambosos will have to be more aggressive and get his shots off faster than he usually does. If he can do this he will be able to counter Lomachenko without any problems. Loma has tremendous hand and foot speed and will get inside quickly behind his right southpaw jabs.

Kambosos has to try and time his straight rights to Loma’s head when Loma jumps in, and if he is able, follow it up with a quick left hook right behind it he could hurt him. Age could catch up with Loma and Kambosos may win this fight, but I think Lomachenko will still have his speed and land right jabs over and over to the head of Kambosos. Then a left to the body might hurt him to end the fight in the seventh giving Loma the stoppage win.”

Final Tally: Lomachenko 19-1

[Sweet Dick Willie]

I like and respect Kambosos, shame he'll be 0-3 in front of his home crowd... And shame that once again I gotta find myself an illegal stream. FITE had the last three Loma cards but not anymore.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Night!

[Ruthless-RKO]

Date: Saturday May 11, 2024
Location: RAC Arena - Perth, Australia
TV/Stream: ESPN

Start Times
ESPN+: 6 pm ET | 3 pm PT | 11 pm GMT (Preliminary Card)
ESPN: 9 pm ET | 6 pm PT | 11 am AEST(Main Card)
Sky Sports: 3 am BST (Main Card)

Promoted by: Top Rank inc.

Fight Card

Vacant IBF Lightweight Championship
Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos Jr.

Vacant Interim WBC Super Flyweight Championship
Andrew Moloney vs. Pedro Guevara

WBA Bantamweight Championship
Nina Hughes vs. Cherneka Johnson

10 Round Light Heavyweight Bout
Imam Khataev vs. Ricards Bolotniks

10 Round Heavyweight Bout
Faiga Opelu vs. Joseph Goodall

8 Round Heavyweight Bout
Lucas Browne vs. Hemi Ahio

[skanksta]

And who's up ??

Good 3 fight card, Moloney 1st...

[margaret thatcher]

women's fight the co feature??

[skanksta]

women's fight the co feature??

apart from you !

good morning Mags

[margaret thatcher]

i just dont get it

[skanksta]

What the 'women co-feature' or the 'good morning' ?

Scores pls anyone...?

19-19 or 20-18 ?

I think the former, but probs the latter esp. in Oz.

[gregregegg]

women's fight the co feature??

Assume your tuned in, how did brown vs hemi and Goodal vs opelu go? They are what I wanted to see but I forgot they were doing this USA time situation…

Seems silly to do USA time when USA don’t really care. It’s 10 am in Perth… people were boxing for breakfast…

[margaret thatcher]

i didnt see those unfortunetly

[skanksta]

women's fight the co feature??

Assume your tuned in, how did brown vs hemi and Goodal vs opelu go? They are what I wanted to see but I forgot they were doing this USA time situation…

Seems silly to do USA time when USA don’t really care. It’s 10 am in Perth… people were boxing for breakfast…

Thought you'd be able to tell us Triple G (regg) ?
They not shown the undercard in Oz ?

[margaret thatcher]

not a lot getting through between moloney and guevera, probably at home moloney will win a decision if this continues

[margaret thatcher]

guevara does best when he focuses on the body

[skanksta]

PEDro looks so much bigger and stronger - didn't expect that - could be his first 3 letters ?

Good fight, but not great.
I've got 2-2 so suspect Moloney to nick a close home dec....

[gregregegg]

women's fight the co feature??

Assume your tuned in, how did brown vs hemi and Goodal vs opelu go? They are what I wanted to see but I forgot they were doing this USA time situation…

Seems silly to do USA time when USA don’t really care. It’s 10 am in Perth… people were boxing for breakfast…

Thought you'd be able to tell us Triple G (regg) ?
They not shown the undercard in Oz ?

I’m down visiting my parents, didn’t bring a computer and am not buying the ppv. Would like to see the Loma fight and the heavies but not to be today.

[skanksta]

Cheers Greg.

First real dent of the fight and it's Guevara !
3-2 up for me.

[skanksta]

3-3 AM nicks the 6th to tie it up.

Good close fight, PG defo stronger tho'.