Linares-Campbell official for Sept. 23

WBA lightweight champion Jorge Linares (42-3, 27 KOs) is officially set to defend his straps against Luke Campbell (17-1, 14 KOs) this fall. The pair will square-off on September 23 at The Forum in Los Angeles in a HBO Boxing After Dark telecast, per a recent press release.

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

As for Campbell, he’s happy to be getting a shot on the big stage, although he feels that all the pressure is on Linares.

"It's an honor to be fighting Jorge Linares for the WBA World title, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine titles in one of the biggest fights in the division.” said Luke Campbell. “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. All the pressure is on Jorge headlining back in the States on HBO and I am so confident I am going to leave with all 3 belts - I have tremendous respect for Jorge and this is going to be an unbelievable fight but this is the opportunity I have been waiting for as a professional and I must and will take it on September 23.”

The HBO telecast is scheduled to kick off at 10PM ET.