‘I’ve got a point to prove’: George Kambosos Jr.’s next world title fight revealed in path back to top

George Kambosos Jr.’s next fight on the way back to a world title shot has been revealed, with the Australian reportedly set to take on highly-rated Brit Maxi Hughes.

That is according to prominent ESPN boxing journalist Mike Coppinger, who reported on Tuesday morning that the pair have signed contracts for a fight in Australia.

While no official date or venue has been locked in, Coppinger reported the fight for the IBO world title is likely to take place in June.

It will be Kambosos Jr.’s first fight since back-to-back unanimous decision defeats to Devin Haney last year.

Sources told Coppinger the bout will determine the IBF’s No. 2 lightweight contender, with the winner potentially looking at an immediate title shot.

Haney is expected to fight Vasiliy Lomachenko in May and should he win as anticipated, is tipped to vacate all four titles afterwards and moved to 140 pounds.

“I don’t know how much longer Devin has at 135 [pounds], Kambosos Jr. said after his most recent defeat to the American.

“I think he might move to 140, God willing that opens up some doors for us and I’m a big, big name in the world of boxing still.”

Hughes (26-5-2, 5 KOs) will be confident of playing spoiler against Kambosos Jr. (22-2, 10 KOs), coming off a majority-decision victory over former featherweight champion Kid Galahad.

It was just the latest in a seven-fight win streak for the 33-year-old.

But speaking to fighthype.com last week, Kambosos Jr. said he feels “really refreshed” and ready to prove a point after successive defeats to Haney.

“I’ve been really active, especially in that one year where I had three fights against some good guys,” he said.

“I’m hungry for more. What I’ve achieved, it’s not enough for me. Someone looking at it from the outside, they say he’s achieved a lot. For me, the hungry warrior that I am, I wanted more.

“I’ve got a point to prove, so whoever I’m matched up against next is in trouble. I’ve got some bad intentions. ‘Ferocious’ is coming back. I’ll fight tomorrow. You saw the way I sparred yesterday. I’m so sharp and better over time.

“It stinks, but I’ve only lost to one guy, and that guy isn’t just a Joe Blow, an ordinary fighter, a cherry pick. He’s a superior boxer. I’m motivated from that, from my experiences and the lessons that I’ve taken, and I’m just a better fighter all around.

“It stinks to a point, but I’m hungry and motivated to make a statement in my next fight to show that I’m still here. I’ll be better. I already feel better.”