After a heated and dramatic official press conference on Friday, George Kambosos Jr. and his American rival Devin Haney on Saturday morning both successfully weighed in for their lightweight world title rematch.
But the weigh-ins were equally as chaotic as the antics of the day before, as Haney supporters rushed the stage before a brawl nearly broke out in the crowd. The two fighters were pulled apart after a stare-down escalated into push-and-shove.
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After a quieter build-up this time around, Kambosos ended his self-imposed exile on Friday with a war of words with his American rival, who took the belts in their June title showdown.
Neither of the duo arrived at Rod Laver Arena before the weigh-ins began at 10am, raising fears both might have been struggling to make weight.
“That really surprises me,” Aussie boxing legend Barry Michael said on Fox Sports, especially after Kambosos yesterday declared he was already at the weight limit. “To me it’s unprofessional.”
“This is quite a surprise,” Warren Smith said.
But half an hour later, right on cue, Kambosos (21-1, 10KO) weighed in at 134.04lb – comfortably under the 135-pound limit for the title bout.
He said he had no worries about making the cut, having needed a second attempt to make the limit for their first meeting in June.
“No doubt. We put in the work. That’s a statement right there. We’ll make a statement tomorrow.”
“I’m ripped and ready. I haven’t shown too much in this camp but I’m gonna show it all tomorrow.
“We are ready, and whatever he brings ain’t enough.”
Haney (28-0, 15KO) came in at 134.81 pounds, making the bout official.
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‘Not the Australian way’ Haney’s rip in! | 01:23
After weighing in, the two immediately instigated a staredown – even before Haney had answered some scheduled questions.
Haney was constantly speaking to Kambosos, who remained silent while chewing gum – until getting the last word in. As they turned to flex for the crowd, Kambosos shoved in front of Haney, who responded in kind.
The two then engaged in some push-and-shove as the camps of both fighters burst onto the stage, causing chaos and requiring security to intervnene. The argy-bargy nearly broke out into a full-fledged brawl in the crowd thereafter.
“We got a fight. We gon’ get it on tomorrow.” Haney said.
“It certainly got a bit heated there,” Michael said. “It nearly got out of hand there.”
Smith said: “It got a little willing there and a bit out of control.”
“There’s every chance it’s going to be a war. It’ll be something else. There’s bad blood between the two of them,” Michael said. “I think we’re gonna see serious fireworks.”
‘RIPPER’ OF A WORLD TITLE BOUT COMING UP
Former two-time world champion Susie Ramadan (29-3, 12KO) was comfortably under the 122 pound limit. She said: “The nerves are pretty good, I’m just ready to go.”
“It’s going to be excited tomorrow, that’s for sure.”
Her opponent, IBF world title holder Cherneka Johnson (14-1, 6KO) came in at 121.03lb. “It’s going to be a ripper of a fight!
“It’s exciting to see women’s boxing grow, I’m excited to showcase my skills and defend my title.”
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AUSSIE OUT TO ‘STEAL THE SHOW’
Two-time world title challenger Norbelto Jimenez (31-6-9, 16KO) came in just under the 115-pound limit for his massive bout with Andrew Moloney. “I prepared very very well to come beat Andrew Moloney at his home house,” he said.
Aussie Moloney (24-2, 16KOs) was a shade lighter at 114.75lb. He declared: “Never trouble, I’m a true professional. I’m never out of camp, I’m always ready. That’s our statement at Team Moloney – always ready.
“I’m going to earn my shot at a world title after this fight, grab that and bring it back to Australia.”
After stealing the show with a stunning win in the June meeting between Kambosos and Haney, he declared he was ready to do it again: “Absolutely. The plan is to steal the show, make sure you don’t miss it!”
AUSSIE READY FOR ‘FINAL HURDLE’
Thai beast Nawaphon Kaikanha (56-1-1, 46KO) will fight for the first time out of his home country against Jason Moloney. He weighed in at 117.39 pounds – coming under the 118 pound limit.
31-year-old Kaikanha said: “I’m very excited. I’ve never been in this environment before, I’m very excited!”
Moloney (24-2, 19KO) came in at 117.83lb. He said: “Ready to go mate. This is it. The final hurdle before I become world champion.”
With current champion Naoya Inoue set to leave the division and step up in weight, vacating his belt, the winner of tomorrow’s battle could inherit the WBC title.
“This is the hardest fight of my life. I’ve left no stone unturned. This will be a great performance tomorrow.”
FULL WEIGH IN RESULTS
MAIN CARD (ON MAIN EVENT)
Devin Haney vs. George Kambosos Jr. ; for Haney’s WBC/WBO/IBF/WBA Lightweight titles
Jason Moloney 117.83lb vs. Nawaphon Kaikanha 117.39lb; WBC Bantamweight Eliminator (12x3m rounds)
Andrew Moloney 114.75lb vs. Norbelto Jimenez 114.97lb; Junior Bantamweights, vacant WBO international title
Cherneka Johnson 121.03l vs. Susie Ramadan 119.38lb; for Johnson’s IBF Women’s Junior Featherweight title (10x2m rounds)
Adrian Sosa vs John Mannu (swing bout)
PRELIMS (ON FOX SPORTS)
Faiga ‘Django’ Opelu 223.87 pounds vs Hemi Ahio 243.39lb (8x3m rounds)
Titi Motusaga 196.98 pounds vs David Nyika 198.73lb (6x3m rounds)
Amari Jones vs Tej Pratap Singh
Marcus Heywood vs Lorenzo Simpson
Full presser: Kambosos & Haney go at it! | 12:07
