Jorge Linares to defend against Luke Campbell at Fabulous Forum

Jorge Linares, left, lands a body punch on Anthony Crolla during their bout in March in England. Linares defended his title via unanimous decision/Photo by Getty Images Europe

 

It’s been three years since lightweight world champion Jorge Linares graced the United States with his presence in the ring, but that will change Sept. 23 when Linares defends his title against No. 1 contender Luke Campbell at the Fabulous Forum (on HBO).

Linares, of Venezuela, can’t wait.

“I am excited to make my return to the United States and to headline an HBO show for the first time,” said Linares, who will turn 32 on Aug. 22. “I know Luke Campbell is a tough competitor with an incredible amateur and professional background, but I am confident I will emerge victorious on Sept. 23.”

Campbell, of England, won the gold medal at bantamweight in the 2012 London Games. The 29-year-old southpaw is 17-1 with 14 knockouts.

“I’ve worked my way from Olympic champion to the No. 1 spot in the WBA and WBC rankings, and I feel now is the time to take my chance,” Campbell said.

Linares has not fought in the U.S. since knocking out Ira Terry in the second round in August 2014 at StubHub Center. Campbell has never fought outside the United Kingdom.

 

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Jorge Linares happy to hand Anthony Crolla another loss in his backyard

Jorge Linares

 

Jorge Linares of Venezuela has already beaten Anthony Crolla once at Manchester Arena in England, taking Crolla’s lightweight title via unanimous decision this past September. Since Crolla is from Manchester, it was an impressive victory.

Linares (41-3, 27 KOs) apparently is not the type to say, “Been there, done that,” so he will happily take on Crolla again at the same venue March 25 (on Showtime).

“I wasn’t supposed to win the first fight, but I’m glad I did so I can come back and do it again,” Linares said Tuesday at a news conference in Manchester.

Crolla (31-5-3, 13 KOs) certainly doesn’t want to lose twice in his backyard to the same opponent. Linares knows that, so he expects Crolla to come with everything he’s got.

“It’s a new year and a new day,” Linares said. “Anthony is going to be better and hungrier. And that means I will work harder, come with more skill and an even better game plan to win.”

Crolla, 30, can’t wait for the opportunity to get back the hardware he lost in September.

“I want the belt back, simple,” he said. “Fighting for these prizes in front of us is huge. It was a special night last time; great crowd and it’ll be even bigger this time. The setting was perfect, but I lost my belt.

“I lost to a great fighter, but I don’t celebrate losing. I don’t want to feel it again and I want to go down in history by beating a great fighter.”

 

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Jorge Linares makes a happy man out of his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya

Anthony Crolla, left, and Jorge Linares pose after this past Friday’s weigh-in for their fight Saturday in England/Photo courtesy of Lawrence Lustig, Matchroom Boxing

 

Jorge Linares of Venezuela entered his fight this past Saturday against WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla having already held the WBC belt. But Linares was stripped of that title in February when he could not make a mandatory defense because of a fractured hand.

That said, Linares was eager to once again be a world champion. He did not disappoint himself as he took Crolla’s title via unanimous decision at Manchester Arena in Crolla’s native England.

Linares’ promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, was stoked about what he saw from Linares and what he might see in the future from him.

“Jorge Linares has proven himself once again as a world champion fighter with incredible skill, strength and talent. This is a fighter that continues to fight the best and win against the best in the lightweight division,” De La Hoya said. “Linares gave us a highly entertaining and thrilling fight against Anthony Crolla today, and we can’t wait to see what more is to come from him following this tremendous … victory.”

Linares, 31, is now 41-3. Crolla, 29, is 31-5-3. He was trying to make his second successful title defense.

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