Looking like a final eliminator against Aussie George Kambosos Jr (18-0), to determine number one for Lopez' IBF belt. By coincidence I've been following Kambosos' career for a few years now, as a family friend of mine was living in Australia for a while, and got matey with one of Kambosos' opponents prior to a grudge match. Kambosos is nothing special, but has been in Manny Pacquiao's camp for a while now as one of his main sparring partners. Beat Mickey Bey last time out on a SD, was very close but Kambosos' edged it with a knockdown. Tough fight to call. The Aussie is a very crude come forward pressure fighter who likes to throw quick combinations, but can struggle to close down the distance. 2/3 years ago the pick would have been Selby to school him, but Lee seems to have lost a few steps, spends a lot of time not throwing anything and covers up a lot now. I'd lean towards the Australian but if Selby finds form akin to his previous level he should have enough to box a points victory.
Would edge towards Kambosos here. I think his pressure, freshness and hunger will beat the superior boxer who's getting old and whose legs are fading. Similar to Eubank vs Degale.
What you have to remember is that lees style is changing ever so slightly now. He used to be the taller man with longer reach down at 126 and he crafted his style in that manner. Now that he's gone up 2 divisions that style isn't going to be as effective, unless he gets a relatively smaller 135er. Whilst Lee has had a fantastic career I just don't see him been the same at 135, his style depends somewhat on physical advantages, esp longer arms.
Totally agree with this. Selby’s last 2 performances at the weight haven’t been convincing. Douglas gave him some very tough moments when he closed the gap, and Burns took him all the way in a v close fight. The height and reach advantage is no longer there and his power is such that it’s possibly worth taking a shot off him to land their own.
I thought Burns was robbed against Selby, Kambosas is nothing special, but at this point, I think Lee is there for the taking.
Absolutely, he was brilliant up until about 2017 and then it was clear that the weight cutting was too much. It's taken its toll on him now and I really think that's it for him, no shame in that, he's the wrong side of 30 and at that weight it's very hard on your body. I'd love for him to go out on a high and as a two time World Champion but I just think it's a bridge too far.
Can’t see Selby winning unless it’s a dodgy British decision. Waited too long to move up and lacks the power to keep fighters honest. Rated him highly pre-Warrington.
Selby at his best is a level or two above this guy, but at a higher weight and getting on a bit he may not have enough to keep Kambosas off him. Still favour Selby slightly to win on points.
yup dead right and when burns eventually closed the gap, Selby really began to struggle and was gassing badly. Burns conceded too many rounds however as he couldn't find a way past Selby’s jab however which cost him the fight. I think kambosos takes this fight as Selby is past his best now.