Home Headline Campbell-Garcia ordered by WBC as pair chase Haney

Campbell-Garcia ordered by WBC as pair chase Haney

Winner of Campbell-Garcia set to face WBC champion Haney

Luke Campbell has been ordered to face Ryan Garcia for the WBC interim Lightweight title Photo Credit: Boxing Scene
Luke Campbell has been ordered to face Ryan Garcia for the WBC interim Lightweight title Photo Credit: Boxing Scene

The World Boxing Council (WBC) have ordered Luke Campbell to face Ryan Garcia for the WBC interim Lightweight title.

Former two-time World title challenger Campbell, 32, (20-3, 16 KOs) who is ranked number two by the WBC was set to face number one contender Javier Fortuna (35-2-1, 24 KOs) for the full title, prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, which forced the bout to be postponed.

The clash was sanctioned with titlist Devin Haney (24-0, 15 KOs) in recess after sustaining a shoulder injury, following his victory over Alfredo Santiago last November.

However, the American was reinstated as full champion in April after making a full recovery, with Fortuna and Campbell slated to fight for the interim belt.

Instead, the Dominican Republican has opted to face three-weight World champion and number four contender, Jorge Linares (47-5, 29 KOs) on August 28 at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in California, with the WBC Diamond belt at stake.

This has opened the door for unbeaten American talent, Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) to step in with the 21-year-old ranked four by the governing body, with the victor on course to mount a shot at Haney’s WBC title.

Olympic Gold medalist, Campbell, has been biding his time for an opportunity following his unanimous decision defeat to Vasiliy Lomachenko last August in a challenge for the unified Lightweight titles, with his only other loss coming in an unsuccessful for Linares’ old WBA strap in 2017.

Garcia has notched 20 straight victories, stopping Frederico Fonseca in one round in his most recent battle, to claim the WBC Silver title.

Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) has since been upgraded to WBC Franchise Champion and is set to meet IBF holder Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) in an undisputed clash mooted for September.

Campbell put in a brave display in his defe Vasiliy Lomachenko last August Credit: Bad Left Hook
Campbell put in a brave display in his defe Vasiliy Lomachenko last August Credit: Bad Left Hook

Campbell’s promoter Matchroom Boxing and Garcia’s promoter Golden Boy are due to have 30 days to negotiate the bout, with purse bids required in a scenario where the teams fail to reach an agreement.

However, with both outfits having a deal with TV broadcaster DAZN, there is not expected to be any outstanding issues.

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