After a challenging period in his career, George Kambosos Jr. appears to have a fresh opportunity to turn things around. Early in May, Kambosos Jr. met Vasyl Lomachenko for a title defense and a stake in the vacant IBF lightweight title. Despite the fight taking place on home soil in Australia, the former unified lightweight champion succumbed to ‘Loma’s superior technical skills and lost the bout.

George Kambosos Jr. could step back into the ring in February next year. Reportedly, he signed up for a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn‘s Matchroom Boxing. The collaboration could help solidify Matchroom’s presence in the Australian boxing scene. Kambosos Jr. may have to move up a division for the supposed face-off against Canadian boxer Mathieu Germain. While the date still remains unconfirmed, the fight could take place at one of the avenues in Australia.

George Kambosos Jr.: A new chapter—moving up a weight class

A Boxing News piece has suggested that George Kambosos Jr.’s longtime promoter Lou DiBella may have signed a co-promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing. Apparently, the name of Montreal, Quebec-born Mathieu Germain, has emerged as a top contender among the probables.

Germain, who is known by his moniker ‘G-Time’, has built an impressive record since turning professional in 2015. With 25 wins from 27 fights, the Montreal-born fighter presents a formidable challenge. If the fight materializes, it will mark Germain’s first time competing outside Canada.

Following the two consecutive losses to Devin Haney, George Kambosos Jr. returned last year to secure the IBO title from Briton Daniel ‘Maxi’ Hughes. Ten months later, he was back in the ring at Perth’s RAC Arena. This time he faced Vasyl Lomachenko, who incidentally joined following a third career loss to Devin Haney last year.

The match on May 12 turned out to be a one-sided affair. Lomachenko’s finesse and southpaw savvy overwhelmed Kambosos Jr. He managed to pull through. Nevertheless, things came to a standstill in the eleventh round. ‘Loma’s body shots found their mark downing Kambosos Jr. once. It didn’t take much time before the referee and Kambosos Jr.’s corner, taking note of his precarious situation, subsequently called a halt to the fight.

The Road Ahead for ‘The Emperor’

Whether against Mathieu Germain or someone else, what is important here is to note how 31-year-old George Kambosos Jr. now has an opportunity to redefine his career trajectory. Currently, in 140-pound, the IBF title is held by fellow Australian Liam Paro, who is managed by Matchroom Boxing. On June 15, Paro defeated the division’s boogeyman, Subriel Matias, in a huge upset at Puerto Rico. He is now all set for the first title defense against Richardson Hitchins on December 7 in an Australian venue.

So if he wins the next fight and George Kambosos Jr. also defeats his upcoming opponent, then chances of an all-Australian dance become highly likely. All three career losses of Kambosos Jr. occurred in his home country. However, the fact remains that the ‘Ferocious’ still commands a considerable following. Hence, a fight featuring him in a high-stakes match could be a strategic move for Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing to cement their presence in the region.

What do you think? Could stepping up a division help George Kambosos Jr. reignite his career and establish himself among boxing’s elite once again?