The Madison Square Garden crowd booed Australian boxer George Kambosos Jr when he stepped into the ring at the Hulu Theatre.
Less than an hour later they had turned on hometown fighter Teofimo Lopez, spectators scolding the Brooklyn native for attempting to steal the limelight from Kambosos’ incredible underdog victory.
The Aussie brawler won a split decision after shocking Lopez with a knockdown in the first round, then getting knocked down himself in the 10th but steadying to last the distance and earn the judges’ scores.
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Kambosos was being interviewed in the ring and celebrating what many were calling the biggest victory in Australian boxing history.
“All respect to Tiofimo. He’s a great kid, the build-up was the build-up, we’re both competitive young guys. But it was my night, and it’s going to be my night for a very long time,” Kambosos said.
“I’m the emperor.
“This is for my family, for my kids. My grandfather passed away two months ago. I know he’s in the ring here with me right now.
“Look at me, I’m the greatest Australian fighter in history. That’s no disrespect. I’ve got all the belts.”
As the interview was asking another question, Lopez – face bloodied and beaten – grabbed the microphone and got on his soap box.
He claimed to have won the fight by 10 rounds to two.
“Hell of a fighter, but I won tonight man. Everybody knows that,” Lopez claimed.
“The referee raised my hand, I won tonight. I don’t care what anybody says, I won tonight.
“At the end of the day I’ve been here and I’ve done it.
“I ain’t no sore loser. I take my wins, I can take my losses. At the end of the day I’m a true champion.
“I came out here, I did what I had to do, and I went out there and did my best. I don’t care what anybody says, I’m as real as they come.
“I won this fight.
“The referee knew I won tonight, everybody knew I won tonight, and I’m just thankful.
“I don’t believe it was a close fight. I believe at the end of it all, I score it 10-2. Yes I did.”
The crowd turned on their hometown boxer, booing Lopez loudly.
Kambosos could only laugh in his opponent’s face.
“Listen, you’ve got to move off bro, because you’re a bit delusional brother,” Kambosos said.
“I’ve got the belts, I won the fight, I won it clean and clear. Look at your face.
“I came here, I gave you the respect in the ring, and I won the fight, I’ve got the belts. Take it like a champ, move on.
“We’ll do it again in Australia, (in front of) 80,000 people. Me and you brother. Let’s do it again.”