Luke Campbell is Ready for Loma.
Directly ahead of the biggest fight of his professional career, Luke Campbell (20-2, 16 KO’s) is cool and calm. As he has said on a number of occasions, his August 31 dust-up with Vasiliy “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko (13-1, 10 KO’s) is just another fight.
From the aspect of training and preparation, this is very true. However, then there are the elements of market value and worldwide attention to the prizefight.
In that sense, with what a victory would bring, this is unquestionably the most meaningful prizefight of his life.
When the two clash under the hot, bright lights of the O2 Arena located in Greenwich, London, Lomacheko will be putting up his WBO and WBA super world lightweight titles.
The vacant WBC world lightweight title will also be on the table as well. Not only is this more hardware than Campbell has ever had access to, he will be tangling with a boxer that many regard as one of the pound-for-pound best on the planet.
To let Luke Campbell tell it, he remains largely unfazed.
“You’re always going to be the underdog going in there against Lomachenko. He’s ranked pound-for-pound number one and it’s not for nothing, you know?
“So, I’m well aware I’ve got a hell of a hard fight coming up on Saturday night, but I’m well aware that I’m ready for this. […] Any fighter that tells you they go in the ring and don’t feel nerves is lying.
“It’s a fact, it’s a lie. And if they’re not nervous, then they’ll probably get chinned or beat. You know, you need your nerves, it’s adrenaline.
“You need that to keep you sharp, but it’s controlling it. Right now I’m relaxed.”
THE TOOLS FOR THE JOB
To his credit, while not as sterling as Hi-Tech’s, Campbell does tote a stellar amateur pedigree of his own. Not only this, the UK native is the largest, most skilled fighter that Lomachenko has gotten into the ring with.
However, Campbell has no intention on trying to caveman club Hi-Tech, or mauling him with his size and mass. If size proves itself to be a favorable asset, then he’ll be happy to take advantage.
Although, Campbell has every intention of prevailing by utilizing his skill.
“Well, that’s what I’ve trained for my whole life, to be on that stage. To compete with the best on the elite level.
“You know, I’ve put great fights on for everybody. That’s always what I’ve wanted to be in boxing and you know this is a part of it.”
If Luke Campbell can defeat Lomachenko, he will add himself to the growing list of notable upsets in 2019.
Along with placing himself on this exclusive list, Campbell will enjoy all the fame, esteem and professional praise that come with it. Derailing the Hi-Tech hype machine will certainly be a life transforming event!
Only time will tell if Campbell will pull the daunting task off.
“Well to be brutally honest with you, I do believe that I can win this fight whether it be on points or whether it be by stoppage, you know?
“Whatever means is necessary. I believe I can win this fight.”
By: Bakari Simpson
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