Linares Escapes with the Win

By Alejandro Ramirez

Los Angles, Ca— Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares successfully defended his WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Lightweight Titles with a split decision victory against the English southpaw “Cool Hand” Luke Campbell at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum.

Linares started strong as he dominated the first round with movement and combinations. In the second round, Linares Landed a right hand on Campbell and scored an early knockdown. Cambell was cut from the knockdown punch, but he was able to survive the round. The knockdown seems to wake up Cambell as he started to take over the fight in the middle rounds. Cambell started to turn Linares to the left and use his left hand to land and scores points. Cambel was attacking the body and Linares did not have an answer. Linares seem like he was just trying to land a big shot. The experience of Linares saves him as he took some rounds off and finished strong. The bout went to decision and ended up as a split decision for Linares. (115-112) (114-113) Linares, while one judge scored the fight 115-113 for Campbell.

“I fought very well,” said Jorge Linares. “I’m happy with the fight. At the fifth round, we had some trouble, but we came out on top. Trust me, I have a great connection with my team and with my trainer, so we worked hard and kept at it. I knew I had to let the dogs out. We want Mikey Garcia next.”

“No one can ever doubt my hard work,” said Luke Campbell. “Yes, I got off to a rocky start. He [Linares] caught me in the eye. A nice shot that put me on the mat. But I had to fight. I had to get focused. I didn’t think he was landing any shots whatsoever in the second half.”

Linares wants Mickey Garcia next but, Cambell performed well enough to deserve a rematch with Linares. Golden Boy has some decision making to make on Linares next fight.