Luke Campbell to fight former champion Darleys Perez on Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko undercard
Campbell will take on former world champion Perez in an eliminator for the number one spot to fight WBA lightweight beltholder Jorge Linares, who has twice beaten Anthony Crolla
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Luke Campbell will take on former world champion Darleys Perez later this month in an eliminator for the number one spot to fight WBA lightweight beltholder Jorge Linares.
The London 2012 gold medallist faces his stiffest test to date as a professional on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's world heavyweight title showdown with Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley on April 29.
Perez (33-2-2, 21KOs) held the WBA strap until he was dethroned in November 2015 by Anthony Crolla, who in turn went on to lose two unanimous decisions to Linares.
The Tokyo-based Venezuelan produced a remarkable display to see off a valiant but over-matched Crolla in their rematch at the Manchester Arena last month, but Campbell believes he could succeed where his fellow Briton failed.
Campbell said: "We have identified Linares as a fight we want and this win would put us number one in the WBA and in a great position to fight him."
Campbell has bounced back from his only defeat in the paid ranks to Yvan Mendy in November 2015 with four successive wins to put himself among the contenders at 135lbs.
But he must first get past Colombia's Perez and the 29-year-old is in no doubt as to the severity of his challenge.
"This is the fight of my career so far and I'm so excited to be boxing on this huge night at Wembley," said Campbell (16-1, 13KOs).
"I feel like I've been improving with every performance and believe now that I'm ready for a shot at the world title.
"Darleys Perez is by far my toughest fight yet but I need to come through this in order to face the champions. It's going to be an incredible experience and I'm looking forward to shining on the big stage."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments