The World Boxing Council (WBC) have ordered Luke Campbell to face Ryan Garcia for the WBC interim Lightweight title.
Former two-time World title challenger Campbell, 32, (20-3, 16 KOs) who is ranked number two by the WBC was set to face number one contender Javier Fortuna (35-2-1, 24 KOs) for the full title, prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, which forced the bout to be postponed.
The clash was sanctioned with titlist Devin Haney (24-0, 15 KOs) in recess after sustaining a shoulder injury, following his victory over Alfredo Santiago last November.
However, the American was reinstated as full champion in April after making a full recovery, with Fortuna and Campbell slated to fight for the interim belt.
Instead, the Dominican Republican has opted to face three-weight World champion and number four contender, Jorge Linares (47-5, 29 KOs) on August 28 at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in California, with the WBC Diamond belt at stake.
This has opened the door for unbeaten American talent, Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) to step in with the 21-year-old ranked four by the governing body, with the victor on course to mount a shot at Haney’s WBC title.
With Fortuna pulling out of the @luke11campbell fight, we have just been notified that the WBC have ordered Campbell v @KingRyanG Great fight! @dazn_usa @goldenboy 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/9qxXzt3QrI
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) July 1, 2020
Olympic Gold medalist, Campbell, has been biding his time for an opportunity following his unanimous decision defeat to Vasiliy Lomachenko last August in a challenge for the unified Lightweight titles, with his only other loss coming in an unsuccessful for Linares’ old WBA strap in 2017.
👑 HANEY REINSTATED AS WORLD CHAMPION
🥊 @Realdevinhaney has been reinstated as the @WBCBoxing Lightweight World champion after recovering from injury.
🤔 Where does this leave @luke11campbell and @AbejonFortuna? #Boxing pic.twitter.com/BH9R4MxBhR
— ProBoxingFans (@ProBoxingFans) April 23, 2020
Garcia has notched 20 straight victories, stopping Frederico Fonseca in one round in his most recent battle, to claim the WBC Silver title.
Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) has since been upgraded to WBC Franchise Champion and is set to meet IBF holder Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) in an undisputed clash mooted for September.
Campbell’s promoter Matchroom Boxing and Garcia’s promoter Golden Boy are due to have 30 days to negotiate the bout, with purse bids required in a scenario where the teams fail to reach an agreement.
However, with both outfits having a deal with TV broadcaster DAZN, there is not expected to be any outstanding issues.
I’m finally getting to fight a southpaw my favorite fighters to fight! Bring it on luke Campbell
— Ryan Garcia (@KingRyanG) July 1, 2020
