LUKE CAMPBELL is facing a fight to keep his lightweight world title shot after the coronavirus outbreak.
The Team GB Olympic 2012 golden boy should have had his third crack at a 9st 9lbs title against Javier Fortuna on April 17 in Maryland, before the pandemic wrecked the sporting schedule.
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Luke Campbell may miss out on his title shot due to coronavirus
Devin Haney may return to take over from Campbell, denying the Brit his shot
Hull’s baby-faced 32-year-old was set to fight for the WBC crown, after injury forced reigning champ Devin Haney into recess status.
But the pause has meant the American’s shoulder problem should be cured by the time the action resumes and he now wants to jump back and snatch away Campbell’s shot at greatness.
Haney said: “I wouldn’t have been able to fight in time to defend my title, because of the injury, so they made me the champion in recess and whenever I was fully healed and recovered, I would face the mandatory challenger.
“Since the Covid-19 has happened the two mandatories weren’t able to fight each other.
“So, that’s why I’m petitioning to the WBC as of now to just let me fight Javier Fortuna for the world title.
“And we’ll know in about a week or so what their decision is. But it’s looking like I’ll be fighting Javier Fortuna.”
THREE BELT HOLDERS?
The WBC’s bizarre champion selection process means the division could soon have three belt holders.
Pound-for-pound No1 Vasiliy Lomachenko was made the franchise champion after beating Campbell to the vacant strap in August.
Because the Ukraine legend is now chasing the IBF title, in his bid to become the Undisputed king with all four titles, the WBC elevated Haney up from interim champ.
The 21-year-old then dislocated his shoulder in the 12th round of his first defence of the green and gold belt, requiring surgery in December and six months out of action.
And the WBC then ordered Campbell and Fortuna to fight for the belt, with the winner getting Haney upon his return.
But “The Dream”, a Floyd Mayweather protege, could now return and make Campbell’s life a nightmare.
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He said: “As of now, I’m looking to defend my title against my mandatory challenger, Javier Fortuna.
“He’s the mandatory, somebody I’m gonna have to fight.
“And then, after that, I want to move on to the big fights. But as of now, the main person I’m looking at is Javier Fortuna.”
Luke Campbell v Vasyl Lomachenko – Round by Round
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
