Ed Diller

Former Australian lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. made a dream American debut on May 5th as the undefeated contender blasted out the more experienced Jose Forero in the first round.

Taking just 108 seconds to get the job done at the world famous Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Kambosos Jr. improved his record to 14-0 in what was his maiden link-up with new US representatives Lou DiBella and Peter Kahn.

At just 24 years old, and with a solid base to begin his stateside run, Kambosos Jr. told WBN he couldn’t have wished for a better start to his new adventure despite being miles from home.

Asked for his thoughts on the Forero bout and his first five years a pro, Kambosos exclusively told World Boxing News: “A statement! That’s the exact reflection and what I was chasing in this fight. No one thought I would knock this guy out within 108 seconds, especially with him being the bigger and more experienced fighter.

“To come in headlining in my American debut, fighting for the first time under the DiBella Entertainment promotional team and savagely disposing of Jose Forero in the first round was a perfect start to my American career. You could say it was even more special being Cinco de Mayo and coming in putting on a Mexican style fight and getting the KO.

“I’m undefeated, world-rated, have captured four regional titles and signed to a powerhouse promoter in Lou DiBella all at the age of 24. The only thing that is missing is a world title.

“I truly believe the next five years will define me and my career and will see me capture multiple world titles.”

On his plans for 2018, Kambosos Jr. was looking forward to a busy run under DiBella with the help of father Jim and US representative Peter Kahn guiding his every move.

“The plan is to stay active, keep making statements and continue winning until I cannot be denied of my title shot,” said the fighter nicknamed ‘Ferocious’ for a reason.

“I know my promoter Lou, my co-managers Peter, my father and my coach Justin Fortune all have grand plans for me to make some serious noise in 2018 and propel to a world title shot in 2019.

“I’ll be more than ready for whoever they put across that ring. I truly believe I am a huge threat in the lightweight division and know I will be in the world title mix next year.

“I have the fastest hands in the division, my punches are generating a huge amount of power and I have the boxing I.Q alongside my confidence and belief in myself to take out any of these world champions.”

Already recognized as the best lightweight in his homeland of Australia having won the National title in just his sixth contest in 2014 and beaten the previous number one Brandan Ogilvie in 2016, Kambosos has received major support from the fans since deciding to make the move away to chase glory elsewhere.

“The feedback has been amazing in Australia. I have the biggest fan base in the country and they all support me tremendously not matter where I fight in the world,” he pointed out.

“Obviously, there are still some haters that don’t like what I bring to table, but fight by fight and win by win, that base of haters is becoming smaller and smaller as ‘Team Ferocious’ continue to win, move up the ratings and prove them wrong.

“I know it would be huge for Australia to have another world champion and a fighter that didn’t take the easy road. Someone who brought action-packed fights, spoke from the heart and took risks to chase the American dream to bring the title back home.

“I think when that day comes the whole country will stop and celebrate that the victory will not only be mine, but theirs as well,” concluded Kambosos Jr.

Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay