Greek Australian boxer, George Kambosos Jr, has stunned Teófimo López in a monumental split decision win to become the unified world lightweight champion.
The three judges had it 115-111 and 115-112 in favour of Kambosos Jr, while the other had it 114-113 for López.
Kambosos has etched himself into Australian sporting history after earning the WBA, IBF and WBO belts – as well as The Ring Magazine lineal championship belt and the WBC franchise strap – in a brutal battle during which both men were knocked to the canvas.
Lopez boldly predicted he would finish off the 6-1 underdog within the first round, yet it was the brash American who was floored in the opening round.
Lopez regained his feet but was outboxed for most of the contest, which took a dramatic twist in the 10th round.
The man dubbed ‘The Takeover’ landed a right hand that knocked down Kambosos jr, a huge blow that threatened to change the momentum of the fight. However, the 28-year-old underdog recovered and finished the stronger.
“I’m the greatest fighter in Australian history. I’ve got all the belts,” Kambosos said after the fight, as a bloodied and bruised López stalked around the ring in a fury.
“I believed in myself, I backed myself and I said it time after time… I am not a king, I am the Emperor.”
Lopez took his first professional defeat badly, claiming everyone knew that he’d won, to boos of derision from the sell-out crowd at the Hulu Theatre in Madison Square Garden.
Source: ABC News.
