Jorge Linares likely to make title defense against Luke Campbell next

WBA lightweight titlist Jorge Linares had already been in talks with Luke Campbell, but it looks like that fight will get expedited now that the WBA has officially ordered the bout. ESPN reports that Linares was already tentatively scheduled for a Sept. 23 title defense in an HBO main event, and it’s now looking like Campbell will be the opponent.

The WBA sent letters to both fighters last Friday ordering them to begin negotiations, as Linares is due to make his mandatory title defense, and both fighters having 30 days to come to terms or else a purse bid will be ordered.

Linares (42-3, 27 KOs), who lost his WBC title as he sat on the sidelines with an injury last year, got back in action last September when beat Anthony Crolla to claim the WBA belt. He then rematched Crolla in March where he again won, but this time in much more convincing fashion.

Campbell (17-1, 14 KOs), is coming off a three fight stoppage streak, last knocking out Darleys Perez in nine rounds this past April. A fight against Linares would be his first shot at a full world title.