Jorge Linares will defend his lightweight world title against Luke Campbell in September

By Matt Horan

Image: Jorge Linares and Luke Campbell will fight on September 23

Luke Campbell will challenge Jorge Linares for his WBA and WBC Diamond lightweight title on September 23 in Los Angeles, live on Sky Sports.

The London 2012 Olympic gold medallist will have his first crack at world honours when he challenges the three-weight world champion at the Fabulous Forum.

Linares will put his WBA lightweight and WBC Diamond titles on the line as well as the coveted Ring Magazine honour.

Image: Luke Campbell celebrates his victory over Darleys Perez at Wembley Stadium

"It's an honour to be fighting Jorge Linares for the WBA World title, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine titles in one of the biggest fights in the division," said Campbell.

"I've worked my way from Olympic champion to the No.1 spot in the WBA and WBC rankings, and I feel now is the time to take my chance.

Advertisement
Image: The WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine titles are on the line

"All the pressure is on Jorge headlining back in the States on HBO and I am so confident I am going to leave with all three belts - I have tremendous respect for Jorge and this is going to be an unbelievable fight but this is the opportunity I have been waiting for as a professional and I must and will take it on September 23."

Champion Linares will be fighting a British fighter for the fourth time after beating Kevin Mitchell and Anthony Crolla (twice) in London and Manchester, respectively.

Also See:

The Venezuelan has boxed in four continents but the showdown with Campbell is the first time he has topped the bill on a major American event.

Luke Campbell targeted Jorge Linares after that victory over Perez earlier this year

"I am excited to make my return to the United States and to headline an HBO show for the first time," Linares said.

"I know Luke Campbell is a tough competitor with an incredible amateur and professional background, but I am confident that I will emerge victorious on September 23."

Campbell has racked up five victories since a surprise defeat to Yvan Mendy back in 2015.

The 29-year-old has stopped his previous three opponents inside the distance, his most recent outing saw him overcome Darleys Perez at Wembley Stadium.

Image: Eddie Hearn says Luke Campbell is ready and 'razor sharp'

"Luke is the most successful amateur the UK has ever produced, capturing Olympic gold in London 2012 and as professional has now become the mandatory challenger with the WBA," said promoter Eddie Hearn.

"He is a razor sharp fighter that can punch with both hands and this match up is one of tremendous skill and speed. We have been on the receiving end of three Linares defeats in the UK but Luke comes full of expectation and belief to become world champion on September 23."

Linares is currently based in London, with trainer Ismael Salas working alongside heavyweight David Haye, and is expected to move to America at the start of September.

Image: Oscar De La Hoya is expecting a cracking LA showdown at 135lbs

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya won an Olympic gold medal and went on to win world titles at six different weights himself and expects his fighter and Campell to go to war in Los Angeles.

"By fighting all over the world, Linares has established himself as an international fan favourite with a reputation for lightning quick hands, solid power and crafty defence," he said.

"I know how hard it is to win an Olympic gold medal, and given Campbell's exciting style and punching power, we are in for an action-packed fight on September 23rd."

Outbrain