Jorge Linares defeated Luke Campbell by split decision to retain the WBA Lightweight title, in California.
Campbell stepped into the ring for his first title fight and though defeated, proved it wont be long before a belt is around his waist.
Campbell had to work hard, especially after a second round knockdown, and Linares had the 29 year old on the back foot as Linares caught Campbell with a right hand and another that brought the challenger down early on, along with a cut under his eye.
Campbell came back at Linares in the fifth, with both trading body blows and Campbell trying to stop Linares’ attack with good combinations.
Linares came back in the sixth, with a huge body blow but Campbell was holding his ground and came back with accurate jabs.
Both were at each other in the eighth, with Campbell catching Linares with a sweet left hand before Linares coming back with a flurry of punches in the ninth.
Both fighters tried to gain the upper hand but it was Linares who looked to show his experience in the latter rounds and saw out the fight to earn victory.
A great showing from Luke Campbell who may have been unlucky, as he showed his heart after the second round knockdown. He looks certain to become a champion in the near future.
