Vasily Lomachenko turns down Aussie title fight to defend Ukraine
Aussie boxing champion George Kambosos has praised Ukrainian rival Vasily Lomachenko for his selfless sacrifice to remain on the frontline at home instead of travelling to Australia for a title fight.
Lomachenko was reportedly looking for an exemption to leave Ukraine's frontlines to enter into a boxing camp ahead of a bout with undefeated Australian champion Kambosos.
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However, ESPN reported Lomachenko decided against the move while Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine.
Lomachenko had joined a number of boxing icons in taking up arms to defend his nation against Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion.
This led to Kambosos praising the boxing great for his decision.
Following Lomachenko's decision, Kambosos will now take on American boxer Devin Haney in Melbourne on June 5.
The undefeated American was the Australian's next choice and while the deal still needs to be signed off, the 23-year-old is expected to agree to terms.
@VasylLomachenko I respect your decision and I totally understand and I pray for you and your country 🙏🏻🇺🇦 please stay safe and once i wipe the floor with Devin, we will make this fight between two real champions. God bless
— George "Ferocious" Kambosos Jr (@georgekambosos) March 21, 2022
Devin Haney has been offered the undisputed lightweight title fight with George Kambosos on June 5 in Australia, sources tell ESPN. The offer comes after Lou DiBella told ESPN that Vasily Lomachenko has passed on the fight to remain in Ukraine during the war. Story coming
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) March 21, 2022
George Kambosos to defend against Devin Haney
Haney (27-0, 15 KOs) owns the WBC lightweight title while Kambosos is the WBC's franchise champion.
Many believe Haney is the best fighter in the division, but the American is yet to test himself against Lomachenko, Teofimo Lopez or Kambosos.
While the Australian also owns the other three major titles and is recognised by many as the undisputed lightweight champion after Kambosos' split-decision victory over Teofimo Lopez in November.
Kambosos (20-0, 10 KOs) reached out to Haney on Twitter about the fight.
"You were offered it (the fight) months ago & you played around," Kambosos tweeted to Haney.
"In the meantime the great man Vasiliy Lomachenko made it very simple to do anything to make it happen & it was a done deal. But Loma now has a bigger fight which I totally respect so let's see how much of your word is true."
Kambosos posted a photo of a dog behind a fence, with Haney's face photoshopped on its head.
"When the gate is closed the little dog barks and is full of energy but let's see when the gate is fully open if the little dog still has the same bark and energy. Tick tock", the Sydneysider wrote on his story.
He then posted the flight time from Las Vegas to Melbourne which appeared to rile Haney.
"I know how long the flight is... long as my d***! Don't try to talk me out of it b**** I'm on my way!," Haney responded.
with AAP
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