Melbourne will host the world’s most anticipated boxing contest this year when George Kambosos Jr takes on Devin Haney at Marvel Stadium, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford announced the showdown today – to be held on June 5 – which is set to attract more than 50,000 fans to witness Kambosos defend his world title on home soil.
Australian “Ferocious” George Kambosos Jr. became the Unified Lightweight Champion of World Boxing when he beat Teófimo López at New York’s Madison Square Garden last year. He has a 20-0 fight record.
Kambosos has not fought in Australia since October 2017, and has chosen Melbourne as the destination to defend his titles against World Boxing Council (WBC) World Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney.
Haney has been WBC World Champion since 2019 and the American has defended his title four times. The contest between two superstars of the boxing world is set to attract fans from interstate and overseas.
With the fight broadcast live on Foxtel in Australia and globally via free to air, satellite, pay-per-view and digital networks, boxing fans around the world will be focused on Melbourne.
The Labor Government is backing the return of a packed calendar of major events in 2022, attracting more visitors to Victoria and creating local jobs.
General public tickets will go on sale shortly. Corporate packages are available at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
“As the undisputed events capital of Australia, Melbourne is the perfect city for George Kambosos Jr to defend his world title in a packed-out Marvel Stadium.”
“This will be the biggest boxing contest of the year and will bring thousands of fans to Melbourne.”
Quotes attributable to Unified Lightweight Champion of World Boxing George Kambosos Jr
“After five years of chasing championship glory abroad and fighting in enemy territory, I return home to defend what I have conquered in the boxing world, my world lightweight titles.”
“On June 5 at the amazing Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, I get to do just that at home in Australia’s biggest boxing event ever, when I defend my IBF, WBO, WBA, WBC Franchise and Ring Magazine lightweight world titles against Devin Haney.”
Quote attributable to WBC Lightweight World Champion Devin Haney
“I’d like to give a special thanks to the Victorian Government and officials for hosting this event. I began my career fighting in small bars in Mexico. Now I’m on the cusp of greatness showcasing my skills on the world’s stage fighting for lightweight supremacy. I didn’t come this far to only come this far.”
Reviewed 01 April 2022