Joshua vs Whyte: Luke Campbell inspired by Anthony Crolla and Terry Flanagan
Wednesday 9 December 2015 15:02, UK
Luke Campbell is ready to prove he can mix it in a tough lightweight division when he fights on the Joshua versus Whyte bill next weekend.
Campbell takes on experienced Frenchman Yvan Mendy at London's O2 on Saturday, his first appearance since settling a local squabble with fellow Hull resident Tommy Coyle in August.
The Olympic champion has seen compatriots Terry Flanagan and Anthony Crolla win world titles in his weight class in recent months, while it took a bad cut to stop Kevin Mitchell in a fight-of-the-year contender against WBC champion Jorge Linares.
The 135lbs division is the most exciting out there, according to Campbell, who told Sky Sports News HQ he is well prepared for his latest step up in class.
"I believe lightweight is the best division to be in in this country," he said. "There are great fights out there, two world champions from England. What a division, and there are exciting times ahead.
"In the past few fights I've been mixing it up, and each opponent is getting better. If I do the busieness with Mendy let's step it up again. Hopefully 2016 will be a big year for me."
Mendy does not represent easy pickings: the 30-year-old has never been stopped despite going in with the likes of Viktor Postol, the Ukrainian who recently stopped Lucas Mathysse to win the WBA's super-lightweight title.
"He's mixed it with some top-class fighters," Campbell said. "It's definitely a step up for me, but a step I believe I'm ready for. I'm going to go in and show everyone how good I am."
Watch Campbell vs Mendy on Joshua vs Whyte, exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office, December 12, now available to order via phone or online.
