Australian boxing star George Kambosos Jr has been left "absolutely devastated" after his fight for the world lightweight title was postponed due to champion Teofimo Lopez testing positive for COVID-19.
Kambosos (19-0, 10 KOs) was meant to face Lopez in Miami this Sunday (AEST) for five title belts, having earned a mandatory challenge via the IBF.
Instead, the fight has been moved to August 14 (August 15 AEST), in order for Lopez to recover. The American star - who holds the IBF, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine belts, plus a version of the WBC title - tested positive for coronavirus and was symptomatic.
"We send our best to Teofimo and hope he gets well soon and look forward to seeing this epic battle on August 14," said the fight promoter, Triller CEO Ryan Kavanaugh, per The Athletic.
Kambosos, who has been critical of Lopez's behaviour in the fight build-up, slammed his rival over the setback. It is unclear how Lopez got COVID-19 but it derailed a months' long preparation for Sydney product Kambosos, who is based in Miami away from his family.
https://twitter.com/georgekambosos/status/1404892601392766999?s=20"I would have been undisputed champion this weekend, I know it and you know it," Kambosos wrote in a social media statement.
"Your actions and decisions have affected not only our fight but everyone involved in this fight! Pure irresponsibility on your whole side.
"Our time will come and I promise you and the world that I'm going to take your out worse than ever for everything. You can run but you can't hide!"
Triller swooped with a remarkable bid for Lopez vs Kambosos, staking a $7.6 million purse. Kambosos is to get $2.7 million.
The Aussie challenger insisted that he would become world champion despite the setback.
"As hard as it is to comprehend this right now, I remain focused on the end goal," he said. "I will be champion of the world."
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from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/news/boxing-george-kambosos-vs-teofimo-lopez-off/9d60127c-17b7-4da7-97cc-e70134b9a050
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