Two crushing defeats in 2022 to an undisputed world champion cannot blunt George Kambosos Jr's appetite.
Nine months after a second loss to the unstoppable Devin Haney, Australia's former unified champion is refreshed and hungry for a new world title.
"This is my second coming," he told reporters on Thursday.
"I'm manifesting that I will be champion again."
The fallen Kambosos will face British boxer Maxi Hughes on July 23 (AEST) for a new chance to climb the ladder.
"I've been there, I've done it, I've collected the belts and I get to collect another one on the spot," he said.
The steadfast Sydneysider is hoping to claim the IBO world title and a shot at the IBF lightweight world title currently held by Haney.
Though the IBO is not one of the recognised 'Big Four' boxing titles, Kambosos sees it as a stepping stone to the top.
With a 20-2-0 record, he is currently No.7 in the IBF rankings, one above 33-year-old Hughes (26-5-2).
Though he respects his competition, he isn't phased by the southpaw.
"I'm never intimidated by anybody. I've fought the best of the best," he said.
"Maxi is a good fighter, a seasoned fighter I respect and this will be a good statement."
Kambosos and his team will head to the US next week to prepare for the fight in Oklahoma City.
For the Greek-Australian boxer, this pilgrimage to the "Mecca of boxing" feels prophetic.
During his last international fight at New York's iconic Madison Square Garden, Kambosos defeated American Teofimo Lopez in a split-decision allowing him to collect the WBA, IBF, WBO, and The Ring's lightweight titles.
"I'll be back on headlining in America for a world title fight as well as the IBO. It feels familiar," he said.
Before his clash with Haney, the 29-year-old was undeniably one of the country's best boxers, having gone undefeated in his previous 20 fights.
But since his dramatic humbling, he's been forced introspect and grow.
"That's what happens when you take a loss against a really, really good guy. You are able to reflect on and build off your mistakes," he said.
"I'm adding more terror to my weapons. I'm a better fighter."
However, he has no plans for another Haney rematch any time soon and believes the American will soon vacate his titles.
"Devin has now grown in weight, he's big, he's going to move towards the 140 (pound) division and that's going to free up the belts," Kambosos said.
"This is a chess game, this is about the smart moves and I've got a great team behind me and we're putting myself in a great position."
