The boxing world is prepared for a huge lightweight eliminator bout this weekend as George Kambosos Jr makes his return to the ring against Maxi Hughes live from the Firelake Arena in Oklahoma.
Kambosos Jr is a former undisputed champion but is coming into this bout off the back of two consecutive defeats to Devin Haney, while Hughes claimed a win over Kid Galahad in his last outing to set this bout up.
We'll take a look at the match up and provide you with our best free boxing picks to see if we can earn you some extra cash while you watch two top professionals go head-to-head in one of the most exciting divisions in the sport.
Remember that these bookies offer plenty of betting bonuses and promotions.
George Kambosos Jr vs Maxi Hughes information
- Saturday, July 22nd 2023
- Firelake Arena, Shawnee, Oklahoma
- Lightweight bout (135-pounds)
- 12 x 3 minute rounds
- Non-title eliminator bout
George Kambosos Jr vs Maxi Hughes odds
- George Kambosos Jr - (-330)
- Maxi Hughes - (+260)
Kambosos comes into this fight as the favorite despite unanimous points decision losses in each of his last two fights against the reigning and defending champion Haney, both in his own back yard in Australia.
Prior to those fights though Kambosos was 20-0 with ten knockouts and ten decision wins, including a split decision win over Teofimo Lopez that saw him crowned WBA (super) IBF, WBO and The Ring lightweight champion at Madison Square Garden.
This will be his first fight in over ten months, with the second defeat to Haney coming back in October 2022.
The last time Kambosos earned a stoppage victory was back in June 2019 when he stopped Richard Pena in the sixth round, something that made it four TKO wins in his last five bouts. He has since gone 3-2, with all five fights going the 12-round distance.
You can bet on Kambosos Jr to get back on the winning trail at -330, meaning you must bet $330 to see a $100 profit from your bet.
Or you can bet on Maxi Hughes, a fighter with a professional record of 26-5-2 with just five knockouts. He comes into this bout on an impressive seven-fight win streak, including having won the IBO lightweight title against Jovanni Straffon, before defending successfully against Ryan Walsh and Kid Galahad.
Hughes has been stopped twice in his career, getting TKO'd by Sam Bowen back in April 2018 and retiring on his stool against Martin Joseph Ward in April 2015.
If you fancy an upset to be on the cards in this bout, you can get Hughes at +260 meaning you will earn $260 profit for every $100 you bet should he get the win on the night.
Check out our review for BetOnline sports betting here.
George Kambosos Jr vs Maxi Hughes preview
Kambosos Jr has had a rough ride in his last two fights, but he's come up against a generational defensive boxer who just out-worked him over 24 rounds and was better than him.
There's nothing wrong with not being better than Haney, but Kambosos Jr has impressed heavily in his other fights up to today, including the excellent win over Lopez to claim the titles in the first place.
A fantastic technical boxer, the Australian is likely to control the centre of the ring and ping off his jab while using excellent footwork to avoid the more aggressive style of Hughes from the inside. He has the speed and reach advantage in the fight, meaning he will be able to control distance easily and should be able to counter with hooks and straight shots if Hughes begins to try and rush him to smother and close distance.
For Hughes that's exactly what he needs to do. He isn't someone who has been blessed with great punching power and therefore he needs to focus on volume from the inside while forcing Kambosos Jr backwards against the ropes and into the corners.
His jab is decent but isn't at that elite level, and when comparing attribute for attribute it seems quite obvious that this is a bit of a mismatch considering it's a lightweight title eliminator bout.
Boxing picks: Kambosos Jr back on the winning trail
After two straight defeats it's easy to look at Kambosos Jr and think that his time at the top of the game is over already, but the level of opposition has to be considered.
Haney is one of the very best of his generation, and the win over Lopez shows that he is more than capable of hanging at the top of the division and being successful.
Kambosos Jr is likely to be very hungry coming into this fight to prove that, and while Hughes is tough and a solid competitor there are levels to this boxing game and he isn't on Kambosos Jr's level.
Expect the Australian to march him down early with body shots and counter punches, before taking over down the later rounds and eventually getting the finish to make a statement and show that he still has plenty to offer the lightweight division.
Check out our review for BetUS sports betting here.
