Undefeated Australian lightweight boxer George Kambosos Jr. has cited Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao for the "invaluable experience" he earned as his former main sparring partner.
"Manny Pacquiao is a legend of the sport," Kambosos told Australian media outlet 7News ahead of his title bout against unified super WBA, IBF, and WBO titleholder Teofimo Lopez.
"To do 250 rounds with him - over three world title campaigns - it got me to that point where I know what I have to do for my world title fight and here we are."
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Kambosos, who holds a 19-0 record on top of 10 knockouts, was known as the main sparring partner of Pacquiao in July 2017 against another Aussie in Jeff Horn.
Pacquiao, the only eight-division world boxing champion, suffered a unanimous decision loss against Horn in the "Battle of Brisbane."
The controversial defeat became the talk of the town at that time as many questioned the decision made by judges Chris Flores, Ramon Cerdan, and Waleska Roldan (115-113, 115-113, 117-111) despite the ninth round highlight reel of Pacquiao which almost ended up in a stoppage.
Horn held the WBO welterweight title for over a year before yielding to unbeaten American Terence Crawford.
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For Kambosos, being around a legend who has fought top-caliber boxers is a huge factor that makes him different from others.
And he has Pacquiao to thank for in this matter.
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"Doing the rounds with him (Pacquiao) - being around him and seeing the one per cent things he does - that’s an invaluable experience," said the 27-year-old Kambosos.
Kambosos and Lopez, 23, also unscathed at 16-0 record with 12 KOs, will clash at the loanDepot Park in Miami on June 19.