During the final press conference before the light unification fight of George Kambosos Jr. against Devin Haney, there was an unusual presence behind him: Melbourne Storm star Brandon Smith.
With the storm enjoying a farewell weekend due to Origin next Wednesday, Smith will sit by the ring for the fight at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
A staunch fan of the sport, Kiwi revealed that Kambosos Jr. she contacted him to enjoy breakfast with him and his father Jim at his hotel before the press conference at the Richmond Rowing Club.
However, this is not a relationship that has developed in recent days between a boxing fan in Smith and a rugby league fan in Kambosos Jr.
In fact, it started a few years ago when the champion sent a congratulatory message to Smith after Storm won the NRL 2020 Grand Final against the Penrith Panthers.
“When we won the grand (grand final), he sent me a message on Instagram,” Smith told foxsports.com.au.
“Then we kept in touch. I wished him all the best for his fight and I posted a lot of things and I think he respected me for that.”
Check out one of the biggest boxing fights ever made in Australia: George Kambosos Jr. against Devin Haney on Sunday, June 5 with the main event at Kayo Sports. You do not need to subscribe to Kayo to place an order. ORDER NOW>
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To be able to see the hype and bigotry that Kambosos Jr. has generated on its own has been a delightful experience for Smith to witness first hand.
In fact, the Storm star believes that a victory over Haney would catapult Kambosos Jr. to a starry sky that could withstand the passage of time.
“It’s amazing to see George at this stage so big he deserves it,” Smith said.
“He has been in the spotlight for everyone, really. Look at him now.
“It’s probably the biggest boxing event in Australian history. If he wins all the titles, he’s definitely the best boxer.
“He’s probably the best boxer in Australian history. He has more belts than most.”
Smith has also seen some of Haney’s previous fights and described the American as a “bloody boxer” who will offer a “tough” fight for Kambosos Jr.
But in the end the Kiwi could not have foreseen a conclusion in which the Australian would not have his hand raised.
“I think George will knock him out in the seventh,” Smith said.
“I think George has power in every round, so I’m looking forward to it.”
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With all this boxing talk, many will wonder if Smith, who believed that his boxing training when he was young was helping him become one of the best players in the modern game, will put on his gloves for a proper fight.
The road has already been paved for Smith to continue, with several crossover stars, such as Paul Gallen and Justin Hodges, finding success in the square circle.
Smith, however, turned down any talk of embarking on a boxing career after the foot.
“No, I don’t think that aspires to be that right now,” Smith said.
“I think after my football career the body won’t hold up as well as some of these guys.
“I’ll stay in my lane for now.”
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