George Kambosos Junior; Billy Magoulias hails world champion

But Billy Magoulias has been waxing lyrical about his pride in George Kambosos Junior – the brother of his partner Joanna – after he pulled off what many saw as a stunning upset at the weekend.

The 28-year-old became the unified champion of the world last weekend when he beat America's Teofimo Lopez – a heavy pre-fight favourite and regarded as one of the sport's best pound-for-pound fighters – via split decision at New York City's Madison Square Garden to take home the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring world lightweight titles.

Magoulias watched on in the early hours of Sunday morning and sees him as an inspiration having witnessed first hand the sacrifices "Ferocious" has made to reach the top of his game.

Billy Magoulias' Instagram post congratulating George Kambosos Junior

I’ve known George for four or five years since I met my partner Joanna," the loose forward said.

"I’m really proud of him. I know how hard he works – there’s personal things and sacrifices that I see that others don’t.

"There’s been so much rubbish that’s gone before it – he’s had so many fights postponed and in Australia, nobody really gave him the credit he deserves until now.

"George had a vision before anyone else knew it, he’s done the hard work and iced a high-pressure environment in fighting Teofimo Lopez.

George Kambosos Junior in action against Teofimo Lopez. Picture by PA Wire

"If anyone watched the fight, they could see his intentions pretty early.

"It’s just the start for him – he’s got more gears in him and will get better."

So will Magoulias be trying to convince the new world champion to throw his rugby league allegiances behind his new club?

"He follows the Sydney Roosters back home – I have a laugh with him about it as he’s a boxing tragic and he’ll go for the Roosters if they’re in a Grand Final," he joked.

"I’m close with his kids and all that so I’ll get them some Wire jerseys.

"We’ll see if we can convert him."