Lomachenko vs Campbell Preview
The O2 Arena in London will play host to pound for pound great and boxing superstar Vasyl Lomachenko as he prepares to defend his WBO and WBA world lightweight championships as well as claim the vacant WBC championship against Brit Luke Campbell.
Campbell himself is looking to win his maiden world title at the second time of asking with a near impossible task against the boxing genius Lomachenko. The man from Hull failed the first-time round as he was narrowly defeated in a split decision loss against Jorge Linares but is looking to fulfil his lifelong dream at the O2 Arena on August 31st.
This bout between Lomachenko and Campbell promises to be an intriguing affair with both holding a decorated amateur career, both achieving the pinnacle of an Olympic gold medal. The tale is not the same in the professional ranks; Lomachenko boasts the far more impressive record. The Ukrainian superstar has held world titles in three weight divisions with only one loss on his record. Campbell has two losses during his twenty-two-fight career; one loss came against the aforementioned Linares with the other coming against Yvan Mendy, a loss which has since been avenged.
This fight for Lomachenko provides a crucial step forward in his quest for the status as an all-time great in the sport of boxing. “It's one of my goals and dream to put my name in boxing history," he stated, “That's why I started a pro career and fought for a world title in my second fight. I'm the fastest three-weight world champion, so I do everything for legacy."
A Tough Test For Campbell
This fight for Campbell is a tough task with Lomachenko as the 14-1 on favourite. Many regard Lomachenko as the best fighter on the planet thus making this fight an uphill battle for the Hull man.
Despite the odds being against him, Campbell is looking to defy the odds and achieve his life-long dream. “This fight is the start of my career, that's how I get my head around it. You have to believe in yourself. I work in the gym, have ice baths, eat clean, I do it all, so why would I not believe in myself? I'd be silly not to.”
Campbell’s trainer Shane McGuigan firmly believes that his man will shock the world and come out on top this weekend. “I expect one of the best technical fights in the UK ever. Two Olympic gold medallists, two skilled fighters, full of power, speed and I expect one of the biggest upsets in British boxing history.”
McGuigan highlights Campbell’s ability to take away some of the advantages that the 2008 and 2012 Olympic champion has. “Lomachenko is not unbeatable and we have the attributes to be able to take away some of his qualities.” Many point to Campbell’s height and natural weight advantage as a key to this fight.
This lightweight fight between Campbell and Lomachenko promises to be a highly technical affair between two decorated former amateurs with high boxing IQs.
