Luke Campbell insists he will take the fight to Ryan Garcia and says the American is in for a rude awakening after suggesting he would win easily.
Campbell and Garcia are set to lock horns in November for the WBC Interim Lightweight title in the USA after Campbell’s promoter Eddie Hearn reached a deal with Garcia’s representatives, Golden Boy, with a date still to be confirmed.
The unbeaten Californian has vowed to beat the former two-time world title challenger “relatively easy,” however the Brit says he’ll be in for a shock and is looking to put on an emphatic display.
“I’ve seen his comments, he’s got to say something, let’s be honest,” Campbell told Pro Boxing Fans.
“If he wasn’t saying things like that it would be a bit worrying from his end.
“But, from him beating me easy is certainly not happening from where I’m sitting.
“This is what makes a great fight, him saying he’s going to win, I’m saying I’m going to win and then we’re going to find out on the night.
“What’s in my head is to go in there and beat him up, hurt him, stop him, school him whatever it takes.”
Garcia has racked up 20 straight wins since turning professional in 2016, with 17 knockouts and is quickly becoming a prominent name in a division which features unified WBA ‘Super’, WBO and WBC Franchise champion, Vasiliy Lomacehenko, IBF holder, Teofimo Lopez, WBC titlist, Devin Haney and two-time 135lbs champion, Jorge Linares.
However, Campbell who went 12 rounds with Lomachenko last August, believes his rival has not fought anyone of note and a southpaw fighter like him previously.
Asked where Garcia ranks amongst the world scene, the 32-year-old added: “It’s hard to tell.
“Obviously he’s been impressive with what he’s done so far, but they’re against guys that have got losing records and they’re not showing up to win.
“Just because you’re a southpaw as well, it doesn’t mean one southpaw is exactly the same as another, even southpaws have different styles.
“He’s never been in there with someone like me.”
The 2012 Olympic Gold medalist has been out of the ring since losing to pound-for-pound great Lomachenko in a spirited defeat for the unified world Lightweight titles, but insists he is feeling fresh and fully focused on inflicting a first defeat on the 22-year-old.
“I do believe my boxing ability, my IQ, my timing, speed and power as well is a massive factor.
“Obviously he’s got very good attributes as well, but I believe I’m going to win this fight for sure.
“At the beginning of my career there was quite a stop and start process going on, so I probably lost a year out of it there.
“If you take out what I’ve lost, really, it’s only been an active seven years.
“I’m young, I’m performing better than ever, I’m fresh, I’ve got no miles on the clock, I’ve still got some big performances to deliver.”
Campbell believes former foe Lomachenko has the edge over Lopez in their undisputed Lightweight clash targeted for October.
“Lopez is a very skilled operator,” Campbell continued.
“It’ll be an interesting fight. I’ve been in with them all but I do feel like Lomachenko was that level above.
“But, this is boxing, he’s a strong guy, he has power.
“All top fighters, they’ve all got power, they’ve all got great punch resistance, skill, speed, that’s just what you get in the top bunch of fighters.
“But, I feel like the longer the fight goes on, the more Lomachenko would take over.”
