George Kambosos celebrates his split decision win against Teofimo Lopez after their championship bout for Lopezs Undisputed Lightweight title at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 27, 2021 in New York, New York. Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by AL BELLO / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
MANILA, Philippines—Newly-minted unified lightweight champion George Kambosos was tapped by Manny Pacquiao as one of his sparring mates for the Filipino ring legend’s bouts against Jeff Horn and Adrien Broner several years ago.
The hundreds of rounds shared by the two in training turned out to be beneficial for the undefeated Aussie as well.
“Congratulations to my friend, @georgekambosos on an epic win! You helped me in so many of my past fights, I hope our hundreds of rounds of sparring helped you in some way tonight. I’m proud of you. #LopezKambosos,” Pacquiao wrote on Twitter Sunday.
Thank you for everything @MannyPacquiao ❤️ the rounds we shared together shaped me to become champion tonight! Thank you brother https://t.co/h3pGX7Y2zn
— George "Ferocious" Kambosos Jr (@georgekambosos) November 28, 2021
“Thank you for everything @MannyPacquiao the rounds we shared together shaped me to become champion tonight! Thank you brother,” Kambosos replied.
The 28-year-old Kambosos defied tremendous odds after stunning Teofimo Lopez by split decision to claim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and The Ring titles.
Kambosos floored Lopez in the first round with a lightning-quick right hand before overcoming a 10th round knockdown to improve his record to 20-0 with 10KOs.