By Ajuan Isaac-George: At first glance, while it appears to be a mismatch, for all intents purposes, the September 23rd clash between Jorge Linares and Luke Campbell for the WBA and The Ring lightweight titles at The Forum in California has all the makings of a highly entertaining fight. While Campbell of course does have a much coveted Olympic gold medal to his name from the 2012 games in London, many feel his elite level talents in the amateur game have not translated as hoped, or as planned, into the pro game.
Thus, at only the age of 29 many feel this is perhaps his last opportunity to prove he is a world class operator when the head gear is off. While he does have respectable names on his record in the form of Darleys Perez and Derry Mathews, both were on the wrong side of their peak. Thus, it remains to be seen whether Campbell can showcase the same clinician like approach against a much higher caliber of opposition who is firmly in their prime.
Campbell’s main strengths are his hand speed, in ring intelligence and footwork. The problem however, is that Linares, who has become somewhat of a fan favorite on British shores in the last few years after victories against Kevin Mitchell and then Anthony Crolla, is in possession of those same skills, but with slightly more venom in his punches and a touch more swagger in his work. Ever since his back to back TKO loses in 2011& 2012 against Sergio Thompson and Antonio De Marco, Linares has looked a more complete and focused fighter, no longer frequented as often by the lapses in concentration that plagued his earlier career and with much improved judgement in picking when to box and when to fight. After his lose to the awkward Yvan Mendy in December of 2015, Campbell too has looked a much improved fighter, and having been extremely active. With four stoppages in his six fights since that loss it appears that he’s finally sitting down on his shots; the on major criticism that was leveled at Campbell when he turned pro was that he still boxed in the amateur style, more based on point scoring than dealing damage.
Make no mistake about it however, although Linares is much improved and despite his deserved reputation as a slick boxer, there are still occasions where he stays in the pocket with his lead hand down. In other words, he is there to be hit. Campbell’s team may feel that being a natural lightweight he will have the size advantage, with Linares having started his career as a super bantamweight before moving up in weight several times over the years, becoming a three weight world champion in the process. While Linares has respectable power, he is not known as a knockout artist. The same can be said for Campbell, despite the aforementioned flurry of knockout’s in his recent outings. As a result, a knockout from either party seems unlikely.
As often the case when two technical boxers meet, the first few rounds will be cagey before the real action gets going. Although Linares is the favorite, expect Campbell to look better than his compatriots have against the Venezuelan. Both Crolla and Mitchell were forced to fight Linares at medium range where he thrives and is able to land devastating uppercuts and fast combinations. Campbell’s best bet would perhaps be to try and use his distinct size advantage on the inside. This however, is not Campbell’s game. I suspect he will box patiently and wait for an opening that may never come. Either way, it is sure to be one for the boxing purists, with the potential for some quality action. Linares should come away with the victory over 12 rounds unless Campbell shows that he needs a truly world class opponent to bring out the best in him.