Lightweight contender, Maxi Hughes admits he gives the edge to George Kambosos Jr should the Australian face Devin Haney.
Hughes is ranked at #12 by the IBF behind unified WBO, IBF, WBA and WBC franchise champion, Kambosos Jr who appears on course to meet WBC champion, Haney after Vasiliy Lomachenko ruled himself out to defend Ukraine against the invasion from Russia.
A fight between the two champions would settle any dispute over Kambosos’ undisputed status following his stunning win over Teofimo Lopez in November and Hughes sees ‘Ferocious’ coming out on top.
“As a boxing fan, it’s the fights you want to see, the best vs the best,” the 32-year-old told proboxing-fans.com in January.
“I fancy Kambosos for that, due to his recent form.
“The momentum, confidence, etcetera.
“But, yeah a good fight, I hope it happens as a boxing fan and it’s a pleasure to be in the same division and hopefully to be considered for them fights.”
The Yorkshireman is on a rich vein of form having won his last five on the bounce, notably an impressive unanimous decision win over Jovanni Straffon to win the IBO title in Leeds in September.
‘Maximus’ returns to Leeds on Saturday night to face Ryan Walsh on the undercard of stablemate Josh Warrington’s rematch against IBF featherweight champion, Kiko Martinez at the First Direct Arena, live on DAZN.
Former British featherweight champion, Walsh has moved up to 135lbs and Hughes, who was beaten by his brother Liam Walsh in 2019, is expecting a tough night against the experienced 35-year-old.
“I won’t look too much into that [the weight],” Hughes said.
“Ryan knows what weight he needs to be at.
“He knows he’s outgrown featherweight and super featherweight.
“I know the Walsh’s and they’re sensible and they love the boxing and again they’re students of the game like myself, so they’ll make the right decision and I’m expecting the best Ryan Walsh, the best version of him.
“He’s had a fantastic career, he’s an outright owner of the British title, he was unlucky not to bring that European title back when he fought Dennis Ceylan.
“But yeah a good, solid, experienced fighter. He’s been pro longer then I have, so he’s got some good, championship level experience.
“So, I’m expecting a hard, tough fight and it’s what I need. I need a fight like that where I’m thinking, I’ve got to be on it to win and that’s what Ryan gives me.”
Watch the full interview with Maxi Hughes below:
