A critical look at the past week in boxing
BIGGEST WINNER
George Kambosos Jr.
Kambosos is the winner here because he was awarded victory decides the majority against Maxi Hughes on Saturday in Shawnee, Oklahoma, securing the Australians at least one more major fight. However, many would say he didn’t earn it. Hughes, an estranged relative from England, confounded the former 135-pound champion with his counter-attacks and clever footwork for much of the match, which apparently led many to believe he had done enough to score nasty. That’s why the announcement of the decision was greeted with boos from a skeptical crowd and ridicule around the world. However, the Kambosos, who have lost in a row to undisputed champion Devin Haney, could fight for an empty title assuming Haney gains 140 pounds. He said he wanted to fight another former belt, Vasiliy Lomachenko. That will be his last hurdle. We must credit Kambosos (21-2, 10 KOs) for his disappointment with Teofimo Lopez in 2021 despite Lopez battling a dangerous health condition. However, in the following three fights, he proved himself to be an ordinary boxer. He can’t beat Lomachenko let alone the likes of Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis. The skill difference would be too great. The prediction here is that Kambosos will be remembered as a one-time hit wonder.
TRIAL DOLL
You have to feel Hughes (26-6-2, 5 KOs). The 33-year-old received the opportunity of a lifetime when he was selected to fight the Kambosos and has since done enough in the ring to get his hands up. Alas, the judges stole what should have been a life-changing victory. That’s why he was so confused after the fact. He is a good fighter. I hope that he has made an impression strong enough to get another, even more lucrative, chance. He earned it. … I don’t know how Kambosos-Hughes evaluates Josef Mason watching. He let the Kambosos win 117-111, third in the ninth round. That simply doesn’t reflect what happened in the ring. I won’t call his head but he needs to get back to the school of assessment before he does another major battle. … Young rising fighters typically accomplish one of two things in their fights: They make a statement or they have valuable learning experience. Keyshawn Davis there’s the latter in him the decision is almost closed via Francesco Patera on the Kambosos-Hughes card. Davis wasn’t spectacular but he dominated a good opponent, was persistent and never had any trouble. In fact, Patera could barely touch him. In the end, the fight was forgettable but Davis would have become a better fighter because of it. …
ESPN reports that Haney plans to give up his undisputed 135-pound championship and move up to 140, where he will face off against the WBC belt holder. Regis . Program. Then, if he wins that bout, he’ll target Lopez, the new WBO champion, in a match that could lead to a super fight. I don’t know if Haney’s plan will come to fruition but it certainly sounds appealing. I would rather he fights Stevenson and/or Davis before he gains weight but not that he would go after extreme opponents. Plus, the scramble for four titles at 135th will be interesting with talent at the top of the table. …Lightweight youth Edy Valencia Mercado of Mexico is said to be in critical condition after the previous loss George Acosta on Friday in Ontario, California. Our thoughts are with Mercado and those close to him.
