Kambosos says destiny awaits as he readies for lightweight assault

“I always knew this fight was coming. I met Lopez in 2019 and we took a photo together. I always had the vibe, even before he was a world champion, that we were going to meet in the ring one day. I truly believe this is destiny for me.”

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Kambosos (19-0) will go in as a heavy underdog against Lopez, who is one of the new breed of boxing superstars. The Australian doesn’t have the profile of fighters who have based themselves here, like new face Tim Tszyu, but already some of the greats of the local scene, from Danny Green to Anthony Mundine and Sakio Bika, have told him to seize the moment.

“Many people I’m the underdog but in my head, I’m winning this fight. People doubt me but that just comes with the game. I’m fighting for all the people that support me, all of Australia, all of Greece.

“I’ve had messages from Anthony Mundine, Danny Green, Billy dib, Sakio Bika… they’ve all reached out and said it’s my time, I’m the face of Australian boxing. They said I’ve done it the hard way and I deserve this shot. These guys are champions who have paved the way for where I am today.”

Kambosos earned his shot with a split-decision win over Brit Lee Selby, although the favourable card from the local judge at London’s Wembley Arena was widely ridiculed for his scoring of the bout.

Now he gets his mandatory shot and must try to break through were so many Australian fighters have tried and failed, landing the big fights only to be humbled or fall short at the final hurdle.

Kambosos insists that won’t be the case for him and he can produce the goods when it counts, landing an enormous prize in what promises to be another intriguing year for the nation’s pugilists.