Can Luke Campbell Beat Vasyl Lomachenko?

Can Luke Campbell Beat Vasyl Lomachenko?

By Dean Wigzell

When Luke Campbell turned professional in 2013, his record of European Championship Gold, World Championship Silver and Olympic Gold made him Britain’s most successful amateur and most definitely one to watch as he made his expected rise through the pro ranks.

However, in the subsequent 6 years the Hull fighter has had to overcome great personal tragedy, defeat numerous domestic rivalries and settle old scores but still that widely expected world title has evaded him.

It’s safe to say that his professional career hasn’t exactly been plain sailing and at times it’s been incredibly cruel to him. Whilst, other fighters around him have secured world title shots against ‘lesser’ champions Campbell has had to go about things the hard way.

In his only previous attempt at securing a world title, he was installed as mandatory challenger for the WBA strap belonging to three weight world champion Jorge Linares.

As if that task wasn’t hard enough on its own, Campbell sadly lost his dad to cancer two weeks before the fight, something which he kept a secret from many. Despite all of this Campbell produced a terrific display only to lose the fight on a split decision.

It has taken two years for Campbell to be awarded mandatory status again, this time for the vacant WBC crown. However, with the boxing gods seemingly wanting to test further still, Vasyl Lomachenko was parachuted in as the man to stand between Campbell and that elusive world title.

If Campbell’s amateur record made him an opponent to fear, the Ukranian’s extensive back catalogue could make even the hardiest of men crawl up into a ball and simply hope for the best. Competing in the featherweight and lightweight divisions, he won a silver medal at the 2007 World Championships, gold at the 2008 European Championships, consecutive gold at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, and consecutive gold at the 2009 and 2011 World Championships.

Both fighters turned professional in the same year, and whilst Campbell’s quest to the top has been trying, Lomachenko has taken to it like a duck to water. He holds several all-time records in boxing for winning major world championships in the fewest professional fights.

A world title in his third fight, two-weight champion in his seventh fight and a three-weight champion in his twelfth fight. His debut aside, he has competed for a world title in every single one of his professional fights.

Overcoming a fighter widely regarded as a great of the modern era is going to be difficult for Campbell but he is doing everything he can to give himself the best possible chance.

Since the Linares fight, Campbell has moved his training camp back to the UK, having previously been based in Miami and has enlisted the help of trainer Shane McGuigan. The relationship between the two appears to be blossoming into one of real potential and his new coach believes that it is exactly what was needed to lift Campbell to Elite level once and for all.

As for Lomachenko, whilst his recent record suggests he is invincible there have been signs that maybe, just maybe he isn’t. In his fight with Linares he was dropped for the first time and required shoulder surgery afterwards, Jose Pedraza got through his defence on a number of times and took him the distance and a broken knuckle in his last bout with Anthony Crolla suggest that is a mere mortal after all.

Fighters have to overcome difficulties throughout their career and the resilience they develop gets them through their toughest fights, but in Campbell’s case he has had to display the type of resilience reserved only for the deepest, darkest times.

A world title fight in normal circumstances only requires a fraction of what was required for Campbell to even step into the ring with Linares two years ago, let alone push him all the way and get a decision from one of the judges.

Mental strength aside, if the best physical version of Luke Campbell turns up on the night, with his slick movement, quick hands and crunching body shots coupled with the revitalisation he has undergone since joining forces with McGuigan then maybe just maybe Luke Campbell’s roller coaster ride will finally reach its intended destination.