Luke Campbell claims defeat to Yvan Mendy was a 'blessing in disguise'

Luke Campbell believes losing his unbeaten record was a "blessing in disguise" and hopes to prove he is better than ever by challenging for a world title in 2017.

The British lightweight, who won gold at the London 2012 Olympics as a bantamweight, suffered his first professional defeat last December, losing a split decision to Frenchman Yvan Mendy at the O2 Arena. 

Campbell (13-1 KO11) has since returned to the ring, blowing away Gary Sykes in two rounds in March, and is now preparing to face former world champion Argenis Mendez (24-1-1 KO12) at the First Direct Arena on July 30, live on Sky Sports. 

When asked how he views his one and only career defeat, Campbell told Sky Sports News HQ: "I see it as a blessing in disguise, everything happens for a reason and that night was not meant for me. 

"The build-up and preparation for that fight was wrong, but it's one of those things. You only realise who you are, what you are made of and what you can do in the bad times.

"I know what I want, I want to be the best and I want to be the world champion. 

"This year for me is all about climbing the ladder, fighting as much as I can this year, beating top opponents like Mendez and next year I want to be fighting for a world title."

On a potential rematch with Mendy, Campbell added: "It's on the list for this year. I've seen him saying he's not interested in the rematch with me now. It's going to be risky for him now.

"Mendy might not want to go back in there and see the real me, because it would be a very different night for him."

Campbell has returned to England after completing part of his training camp in Miami alongside trainer Jorge Rubio. 

The 28-year-old, who will conclude his preparations for the fight in England, says he is feeling in great shape and is hoping to prove he belongs on the world stage.

"I am in a good place physically and mentally. Preparations are on track and I am ready to make some statements out there in the boxing world," he added.

"It's definitely a step up, but it's a step up that I am ready for. I am in a good place, I feel good and I am confident in what we've been working on.

"This is a great opportunity for me to beat a quality opponent."