Who Has The WBC Ordered Luke Campbell To Face?
Due to a change of plans, Ryan Garcia may end up getting what he wanted all along.
Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn took to Twitter earlier today, stating that the WBC ordered Garcia to face Luke Campbell for the interim WBC Lightweight TItle. A win by either could result in a clash with WBC Lightweight Champion Devin Haney.
“With Fortuna pulling out of the @luke11campbell fight, we have just been notified that the WBC have ordered Campbell v @KingRyanG. Great fight! @dazn_usa @goldenboy”
With Fortuna pulling out of the @luke11campbell fight, we have just been notified that the WBC have ordered Campbell v @KingRyanG Great fight! @dazn_usa @goldenboy 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/9qxXzt3QrI
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) July 1, 2020
Campbell (20-3) was scheduled to face off against Javier Fortuna for the interim Lightweight Title. This was planned by the WBC after Devin Haney returned from shoulder surgery. Haney was the interim champion before Vasiliy Lomachnko was promoted to “franchise” champion. Fortuna, however, will now face Jorge Linares (47-5) inside the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, California on August 28. That left Campbell without an opponent.
The 32-year-old Campbell has fought for lightweight gold twice; he lost to Jorge Linares in 2017 for the WBA Lightweight TItle and lost to Lomachenko this past August for the WBA, WBO, and WBC Lightweight TItles. Before the Lomachenko loss, Campbell was on a three-fight win streak.
Let’s go 👊🏼 #Coolhand @EddieHearn @McGuigans_Gym https://t.co/2zZDpvapi9
— Luke Campbell MBE (@luke11campbell) July 1, 2020
Garcia (20-0) was supposed to fight on July 4 for Golden Boy’s return. He then hinted that the fight would not be happening, and ultimately, called out Golden Boy and DAZN for offering him $200,000 to compete. Garcia requested $500,000, stating he deserves more. Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya has been attempting to please his young fighter and has stated he will continue to offer him fights.
“I’m finally getting to fight a southpaw my favorite fighters to fight! Bring it on luke Campbell,” Garcia stated in a tweet.
I’m finally getting to fight a southpaw my favorite fighters to fight! Bring it on luke Campbell
— Ryan Garcia (@KingRyanG) July 1, 2020
Garcia has won seven fights since 2018. He won the WBO-NABO and WBC Silver Lightweight Titles against Romero Duno in November via TKO, his third win in a row via knockout. “KingRy” won his last bout in February, hitting Francisco Fonseca with a devastating knockout punch.
Will get my respect then! SHOCK THE WORLD!!
— Ryan Garcia (@KingRyanG) July 1, 2020
There will be a 30-day negotiation period for this fight to potentially come to fruition. If all goes according to plan, IBF Lightweight Champion Teofimo Lopez could end up fighting the winner of Haney v. Garcia/Campbell.