It was a win that was unlikely but one that George Kambosos Jr. greatly appreciated. In November of 2021, after months of back-and-forth trash talk and countless postponements, both Kambosos and Teofimo Lopez officially squared off. Viewed as a gigantic underdog on the night, many were expecting the 29-year-old to suffer a quick and painful end before scurrying home.

Of course, Kambosos did saunter back to Australia but not before stuffing his bags with the IBF, WBA, WBO, and WBC “Franchise” lightweight titles. Ultimately, Kambosos’s reign atop the division was transient as Devin Haney stripped him of his championship status. Now, with back-to-back defeats plastered to his name, Kambosos (20-2, 10 KOs) has assured his fans that he’s done licking his wounds and is on the verge of making his return.

Although nothing is set in stone as of yet, the Australian native will face off against Maxi Hughes with Las Vegas, emerging as the host frontrunner. By and large, Kambosos is anxious to jump back into the thick of things against some of the lightweight division’s elite. Nevertheless, while Hughes hasn’t quite reached the sport’s summit, Kambosos refuses to look past him.

“I’m very focused on Maxi Hughes,” said Kambosos during an interview with FightHype.com.

Circling back to his lopsided defeats against Haney, Kambosos pulled out every trick available to him. But, despite boxing from the outside and mauling on the inside, Haney quelled his offensive output.

Considering the fashion in which Kambosos suffered defeat, several in boxing circles are under the impression that his fall from grace will be an everlasting one. Those thoughts, however, are laughable to Kambosos. Though he admits that Haney was the better man on the night, the proud Aussie doesn't believe that he’s even close to hanging up his gloves.

“I’m very motivated to make a good statement to show that we aren't going anywhere. Just cause I took a loss to one guy, doesn't mean that all of a sudden I’m done, I’m finished.”