Sunday 24 September 2017 00:02, UK
Olympic hero Luke Campbell is targeting world title glory in the professional ranks when he challenges WBA lightweight champion Jorge Linares.
The London 2012 gold medallist can produce another memorable triumph as he faces Linares in Los Angeles in the early hours of Sunday morning, live on Sky Sports.
Campbell is testing himself at the highest level against the formidable Linares, the No 1 champion in the division, who is among the elite fighters in the sport after winning world titles in three weight divisions.
The 29-year-old earned his shot after 17 victories, with just the sole defeat to Yvan Mendy in 2015, and the skilful southpaw proved his mettle in a stoppage win over former world champion Darleys Perez in April.
But Linares has already shattered the hopes of two British opponents, inflicting a brutal beating on Kevin Mitchell in 2015, then completing two classy points victories over Anthony Crolla.
Has Campbell chosen the right moment to snatch the belt from the battle-worn Linares, a veteran of 45 fights, or will the experienced champion complete another masterful victory against the Hull man?
We never overlook any fighter and Jorge has proved that. There is more pressure on Campbell, because he has to prove it now. We've already done that.
I think Luke has everything to secure that victory because he was an Olympic champion, he fought internationally as an amateur and now he's been presented this opportunity as a professional. We are confident we will get the victory.
Campbell is travelling away from home and it's a really big test for him. But it's a fight that I think he can win, if he can box and move.
Luke comes across to me as a confidence fighter and he has to go in there believing he can do it.
Campbell's tall, long ranginess and that 'Bolo' backhander will play key parts in this one, but he does need to get off to a fantastic start.
Jorge Linares: 9st 8lbs
Luke Campbell: 9st 9lbs
Watch Luke Campbell challenge Jorge Linares, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, from 3am on Sunday.
