Luke Campbell
Luke Campbell

Luke Campbell fully prepared for toughest test


Luke Campbell is determined to put on a performance worthy of the occasion when he takes on Darleys Perez at Wembley on Saturday night.

The lightweight contest is one of the chief supporting acts before Anthony Joshua faces Wladimir Klitschko in the main event at the national stadium.

Campbell - who won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics before turning pro - is no stranger to outdoor bouts, having fought twice at Craven Park, the home of rugby league club Hull KR, in his home city.

While he admits appearing in front of a sell-out 90,000 crowd at Wembley will be a whole new experience, the 29-year-old southpaw plans to make the most of the opportunity in what is the toughest test of his career to date.

"For me, I've only got good memories of fighting outdoors. I love it," Campbell told Sky Sports."I've done it a couple of times now as a professional. This is what boxing is all about, these big shows, and everyone is buzzing for Saturday.

"I'm buzzing to be a part of it too, and I want to add some excitement to the show. That's what I'm going to do. I'm on my path. I want to be the main event on shows like this one in the future.

"I've not only got to beat Perez but I've got to beat him good, make a statement. I'm excited for this opportunity, as I want to go in there and prove to everyone that I am the best."

Campbell knows a win over Perez - the tough Colombian who twice shared a ring with Anthony Crolla in 2015 - is huge, as it makes him the new No.1 contender to WBA champion Jorge Linares.

"He [Perez] is a former world champion and a top contender. I cannot wait for it," Campbell (16-1, 13KOs) said of his opponent.

"He's not going anywhere. He's a tough guy and this is his big chance as well. He wants to make a statement, and so do I."

Perez (33-2-2, 21KOs) has only lost to Yuriokis Gamboa, in 2013, and Crolla, who won their rematch to claim the WBA title, while the 33-year-old controversially drew with Maurice Hooker last time out. 

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