By Le Figaro with AFP
Published 28 minutes ago, Updated now
Vasyl Lomachenko
Gesang Dawa / Zuma / Panoramic
Ukrainian boxer Vasyl Lomachenko won the IBF world lightweight title on Sunday after defeating Australian George Kambosos by referee stoppage in the 11th round in Perth.
In the main event held in a sold-out 15,000-seat RAC Arena, the heavy favorite defied the raucous crowd and dominated the exchanges throughout a scheduled 12-round battle that didn’t go the distance. Lomachenko tightened his grip on the fight in the later rounds, with several hard left punches leaving Kambosos with blood pouring from his right eye.
The 36-year-old boxer sealed the outcome of the clash in the 11th round after sending the Australian to the mat several times. This is the first time he has captured the IBF lightweight title after previously holding the WBC, WBA and WBO belts in the category.
Lomachenko’s distinguished career, a former featherweight and super-featherweight world champion, also saw him become a double Olympic gold medalist. “I am world champion again. I want to go home and spend time with my family.”, declared the Ukrainian, who did not provide details regarding his future. He now has 18 victories (for three defeats) among professionals.
Kambosos, former WBA, IBF and WBO champion in the category, was unable to reproduce the form that saw him triumph in 2021 to the general surprise of the American Teofimo Lopez, who fell shortly before Lomachenko. “He’s one of the best of all time. I did my best, but he’s a real champion.”said Kambosos, beaten for the third time in 24 fights, about his opponent. “I gave everything. I gave everything during my training camp”, said the 30-year-old boxer. Both fighters had something to prove after losing to American Devin Haney in recent years.
In another fight of the evening, Mexico’s Pedro Guevara defeated Australia’s Andrew Moloney in a controversial split decision to clinch the WBC interim super-flyweight belt. Feeling wronged, Moloney announced his retirement immediately after the fight. “I’m done with this sport. This is the last time you’ll see me.”said the 33-year-old boxer, who suffered his fourth defeat in 30 fights.
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