Former world champion George Kambosos came away with a win , off of scorecards at 117-111, 117-111 and 115-113.
Australian National Champion Jake Wyllie, who stepped in to replace injured original opponent Daud Yordan at under a week’s notice, did incredibly well to stand-toe-to-toe with the former champion, however, and reveled in his ‘Rocky’ moment.
Just six days ago Wyllie was a paying customer with a ticket to Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena before he was called to step in to fight in the Main Event at under a week’s notice, replacing original Main Event opponent Daud Yordan.
And the dangerous Australian National Champion at 140lb threatened to spoil the homecoming party for Kambosos Jr as he gained confidence after an impressive fifth round flurry, and a subsequent strong showing in the sixth-round before pressing forward in the ninth when a gruesome clash of heads caused an unsettling cut to the head of Kambosos Jr.
The brilliant Wyllie stepped on the gas at the tail-end of the fight, trading shots with Kambosos Jr to earn himself deserved adulation – and an eventual contract offer from Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn.
Victory was never in doubt though for Kambsos Jr who, despite the cut, could see trouble coming and managed to come through the test of his Queensland rival.
Although it wasn’t the statement victory Kambosos Jr wanted, he made his intentions clear that he wants a world title shot next by calling out IBF holder Richardson Hitchins.
"It was a good war,” said Kambosos Jr, speaking after the fight.
"He’s a tough kid. I always knew he was going to be prepared. He’s the best domestic guy at 140lb and he has a lot more to give in his future. Good on him. He had five days’ notice, but so did I. It was a hell of a fight.
"I would have loved to put him away. But credit to him. A win is a win, and we move on to what comes next. Sh!t-chins won’t fight nowhere near as hard s him [Jake Wyllie]. Hitchins, let’s go!
"I want to fight you toe-to-toe. I know Hitchins is a tip-tap kind of guy and he will try and hit and run. I’m a warrior. I boxed beautifully for the first five rounds. We’ll get this cut cleaned up and we’ll be ready.
"Eddie [Hearn], let’s do it. I’m all in and I want to fight the best of the best. If Hitchins is your best guy, then let him fight toe-to-toe with me. End of June? Bring it on."