Luke Campbell wants mandatory shot at Jorge Linares next

Following his ninth round TKO win over Darleys Perez at Wembley Stadium, Luke Campbell became mandatory challenger for the WBA lightweight title, and says that’s the fight he wants next.

“Most definitely. (Jorge) Linares is a brilliant champion,” Campbell said after the fight. “I’ve been watching him from when I was little. He’s a great champion. To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

Campbell (17-1, 13 KO) has won five straight since a loss to Yvan Mendy in 2015, and has been impressive on the streak. Linares (42-3, 27 KO), however, represents another step up in class, to true world level.

“We’ve got to find a Brit who can beat him, you know?” promoter Eddie Hearn said, referencing Linares’ wins over Kevin Mitchell and Anthony Crolla. “I think Luke Campbell can have a great fight with Jorge Linares. Luke wants to fight the very best. We’ll be speaking to Golden Boy and Jorge, and make Luke Campbell against Jorge Linares next.”

Linares, in attendance, also spoke, and kept it brief. “Whatever you want, when you want,” Linares said, before congratulating Campbell on his win.

Is Campbell ready for Linares, or would he be wise to take another fight before cashing in his mandatory?