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Mike CoppingerESPN
The Devin Haney-George Kambosos rematch for the undisputed lightweight championship is being planned for Oct. 16 in Australia, sources tell ESPN, which will accommodate an ESPN prime-time telecast on Oct. 15.
The bout could land at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, home of the Australian Open, but no site has been finalized yet.
When Haney signed to fight Kambosos in March, the 23-year-old agreed to a return bout in the champion’s native Australia later this year. Haney routed Kambosos via unanimous decision in June to capture all four 135-pound titles, and Kambosos quickly exercised the rematch clause.
With the rematch deal already agreed to beforehand, there were no negotiations necessary the second time around. The only loose ends that needed to be tied up were the date and the site.
Despite the lopsided nature of the first meeting, Kambosos (20-1, 10 KOs) is set to receive a second crack at the titles he won from Teofimo Lopez in November in ESPN’s Upset of the Year.
The 29-year-old was unable to deal with Haney’s excellent jab and defense and grew frustrated as the fight wore on. And this was a far cry from Kambosos’ thrilling win over Lopez, which featured both men on the canvas. Haney (28-0, 15 KOs). elected to box from the outside and pile up rounds. Neither boxer was ever in any danger during the tactical bout at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
Kambosos is rated No. 4 at lightweight by ESPN. Haney, who fights out of Las Vegas, is rated No. 1.