Kambosos confirms 'destiny' world title bout

George Kambosos will get another crack at world title glory later this year, with the Australian boxer confirmed to face Vasiliy Lomachenko for the vacant IBF strap.

After losing two-straight battles with Devin Haney in 2022, Kambosos rebounded last July in a majority decision victory over Maxi Hughes, putting his name firmly back into title contention in the division.

The 30-year-old had been linked with a showdown against former champ Lomachenko for the past few months and the clash was finally confirmed on Wednesday, with both men vying to replace Haney as the king of the lightweights after the American opted to move up to the 140lbs weight class.

READ MORE: Fury at surprise twist in Russian teen's doping ban

READ MORE: 'I won't quit': Murray lashes out over 'dumb' column

READ MORE: 'Next Nathan Cleary' in line for 'shock' selection

Kambosos (21-2) is slated to face Lomachenko (20-3) on Sunday, May 12 at RAC Arena in Perth and held a press conference to explain the importance of the bout.

"This fight rejuvenates my career, this gives me my redemption," he said.

"I've been in the big fights. Fought the best. I've won the big fights, lost the big fights – but for me this is about legacy, it's not about anything else. It's not about money, this is not about world titles … and it's the same for Vasiliy Lomachenko.

"Our careers are on the line here. Hall of Fame is on the line here. Legacies are on the line here and I believe this is my destiny."

Kambosos' father – George Sr. – believes the fight against Lomachenko could catapult the Sydney product into the list of the country's all-time great boxers.

https://twitter.com/georgekambosos/status/1752535157821886507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

"He'll be known as Australia's greatest fighter ever and a Hall of Famer as well," he said.

"He's fought the greatest guys as we all know, and Vasiliy Lomachenko is one of the greats. Nobody is going to turn around and say anything bad about him.

"This is why we're so eager for this fight to take place."

The bout will be just the third time Kambosos has appeared Down Under since relocating to the United States in 2018 to further his career, which culminated in the biggest win of his career against Teofimo Lopez in 2021.