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Writer's pictureRyan Haydon

George Kambosos Jr. and Maxi Hughes Bracing for Saturday Showdown

One-time unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. has his sights set on regaining his crown, with British southpaw Maxi Hughes posing the challenge.


Kambosos (20-2, 10 KOs) is lined up against Hughes (26-5-2, 5 KOs) in a thrilling 12-round IBF world title eliminator this Saturday at FireLake Arena in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Kambosos, marking his first appearance under the Top Rank banner, is fiercely focused on recapturing the championship belt.

In an exciting co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (8-0, 6 KOs) prepares for a significant test of his abilities against Belgian challenger and former European champion Francesco Patera (28-3, 10 KOs).


These electrifying fights — Kambosos vs. Hughes and Davis vs. Patera — will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.


The undercard, streamed on ESPN+ and starting at 6:15 p.m ET/3:15 p.m. PT, highlights the much-anticipated ring returns of welterweight contender Giovani Santillan, Oklahoma's own heavyweight Jeremiah Milton, and promising middleweight Troy Isley.

Santillan (30-0, 16 KOs) is set to clash with Erick Bone (27-6, 14 KOs), an Ecuadorian contender, in a high-stakes 10-round bout, while Milton (9-0, 6 KOs) gears up for his second 2023 bout in an eight-round contest against Willie Harvey (4-2-2, 3 KOs).


Isley (9-0, 4 KOs), a 2020 U.S. Olympian, is prepared for an eight-round face-off against Antonio Todd (14-8, 8 KOs).


The ESPN+ stream will also spotlight two exhilarating eight-round heavyweight match-ups. Orlando's own Amron Sands (12-2, 9 KOs) squares off against New Zealand's Hemi Ahio (20-1, 15 KOs), and Stephan Shaw, a contender with only one loss, is eager to regain his stride against Australia's Joe Goodall (9-1-1, 8 KOs).


The event, promoted by Top Rank, in collaboration with DiBella Entertainment and Ferocious Promotions, has tickets starting from $39 available at www.stubwire.com.


During the press conference held on Thursday, the fighters shared their thoughts:

George Kambosos Jr. expressed his anticipation for the bout, stating, "I’ve become a greedy motherf***er now. I’m going to take advantage of every hole there is.” Focused on his opponent, he added, “I’m only focused on Maxi Hughes... I’m going to take his head off."

Maxi Hughes, sharing his dream of fighting in the U.S., said, "I’ve had my tough times in boxing, and I’ve shown a lot of mental strength... Preparation went well and I’m very confident.”


Keyshawn Davis projected confidence, stating, “Ya’ll haven’t even seen the best of me yet. Ya’ll will see something new.” He further warned his opponents of his potential.

Francesco Patera conveyed his enthusiasm, noting, “This can change my life, so I’m going to give it my all on Saturday.”


Jeremiah Milton asserted his state pride, declaring, “I’m carrying that weight for the whole state when it comes to boxing. I represent wherever I go.”


Giovani Santillan affirmed his readiness for the bout, emphasizing, “I’m ready for Saturday,” and discussed his ambition for bigger fights in the future.


Saturday, July 22


ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)


George Kambosos Jr. vs. Maxi Hughes, 12 rounds, IBF Lightweight World Title Eliminator

Keyshawn Davis vs. Francesco Patera, 10 rounds, Lightweights


ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)


Giovani Santillan vs. Erick Bone, 10 rounds, Welterweights

Jeremiah Milton vs. Willie Harvey, 8 rounds, Heavyweights

Troy Isley vs. Antonio Todd, 8 rounds, Middleweights

Amron Sands vs. Hemi Ahio, 8 rounds, Heavyweights

Stephan Shaw vs. Joe Goodall, 8 rounds, Heavyweights

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