George Kambosos Junior will make his US debut next week having signed an exclusive, multi-year contract with American promoter DiBella Entertainment.
Kambosos was due to fight Tony Luis in Sydney in mid-April only for the Canadian to withdraw due to a clearance issue.
The 24-year-old boxer used the opportunity to sign with DiBella Entertainment, who have represented former world champions Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor as well as former WBC Middleweight champion Sergio Gabriel Martinez.
Kambosos, from Sylvania, will make his US debut against Panamanian Jose Forero at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut as part of DBE’s Broadway Boxing series on May 6 (AEST).
DBE president Lou DiBella said in a statement that while Kambosos would still be backed in Australia, their focus would be on breaking the lucrative US market.
“I have been a fan of George Kambosos from afar for a long time. He is a genuine talent,” he said.
I have been a fan of George Kambosos from afar for a long time. He is a genuine talent.
- DiBella Entertainment president Lou DiBella
“George is not only one of the most talented prospects in boxing but he possesses the charisma and the character to become a star. I will continue to heavily promote George in Australia but I have no doubt of his ability to conquer the United States and inevitably become a force the world over.
“Not only is George a tremendous, world class fighter in the ring but the strength of his character speaks volumes in wanting give back to his community.”
Kambosos has an unblemished 13-0 professional record and is the World Boxing Association Oceania lightweight champion.
Kambosos is ranked No.5 in the WBA and had been working towards a world title eliminator potentially against Englishman Anthony Crolla. He has shown an ability to conquer challenges in recent years, scoring impressive wins over Qamil Balla and Brandon Ogilvie to become Australian champion.
He has continued to train in the US under Freddie Roach and Justin Fortune, building on what he has learnt from Manny Pacquiao’s team – who he sparred as part of Pacquiao’s preparation for his bout with Jeff Horn – and two-time world champion Gairy St Clair at his Gymea base.
Kambosos’ father and manager, Jim, said the deal was the first step towards his son achieving his ultimate goal of becoming a world champion.