Garcia has YouTuber in his sights as he prepares to take on Campbell
The undefeated Ryan Garcia and Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell will go head to head for the WBC interim lightweight title on December 5, with the former confident of his chances against his experienced opponent. And, after Teofimo Lopez saw off a man nine years his elder recently, you can see why Garcia fancies his chances.
The bout between the American and the Brit will happen the weekend after Mike Tyson returns to the ring, in his eagerly anticipated exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. It promises to be an exciting couple of weeks of boxing, especially with Tyson involved. Iron Mike’s popularity spread as far as inspiring Bison, a character in Street Fighter II, which now has its own slot machine released earlier this year. And millions will tune in to watch the former heavyweight champion step back into the ring on November 28.
Garcia, 22, believes if he beats Campbell, who is 11 years older, that it will see him rise to the top of the lightweight division. As things stand, Garcia is competing with the likes of Teofimo Lopez, Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney to be the best lightweight on the planet. After Lopez upset the odds and beat Lomachenko, he is the man everyone is gunning for, but Haney is the WBC titleholder, and Davis has the WBA crown, which he will defend this month against Leo Santa Cruz.
Many suggest this fight is make or break for two-time world title challenger Campbell, in terms of realising his dream of becoming a champion. Last time out, Campbell lost by unanimous decision to Lomachenko but has reverses to Jorge Linares and Yvan Mendy on his record as well. At thirty-three years old, time is running out for Cool Hand, who will find it challenging to be included in significant bouts which could lead to world title shots if he doesn't secure a victory against an undefeated Garcia.
While it’s unlikely either fighter is looking past what's immediately in front of them in terms of this fight, Garcia has plans for the future which he is keen to put into action. The American, who is known for being a hit on social media, is embroiled in a beef with YouTube star Jake Paul. The YouTuber, made light work of fellow content creator AnEsonGib in his only professional fight so far. However, Paul will take on Nate Robinson on the undercard of the Tyson Jones Jr. card, and a meeting with Garcia could happen further down the line.
Professionally, in terms of the lightweight division, Garcia has Teofimo Lopez in his sights but is planning on taking on both he and Gervonta Davis in 2021. It could be a rapid rise to the top for the American, but it won’t be easy against Campbell on December 5. The southpaw will give it everything, like he did versus Lomachenko, and could come out on top with his vaster experience and ring knowledge.