Olympic gold medal winner Luke Campbell is making a lot of sacrifices for his upcoming clash with rising superstar Ryan Garcia.
Campbell, 33-years-old, will miss Christmas with his family as he heads to the United States to get ready for upcoming clash with Garcia on January 2 for the vacant WBC interim-lightweight title.
“It is hard. But I have to keep reminding myself that what I am doing is all for my family. I want to be a world champion for me, I have to be selfish in how I live my life," Campbell told The Sun.
“But the extras that come with being a world champion are for my family, so they will be secure and free to find much easier jobs than being punched in the face for a living! I have been away in camp for so many months now, it was only during the first lockdown where I got some time at home, so at least now I know the light is coming at the end of the tunnel.”
Campbell has three defeats on his record - and two of them in world title fights - against Jorge Linares and Vasiliy Lomachenko. He also lost a decision to Yvan Mendy - later avenged in their 2018 rematch.
The loss to Linares, which took place in California, happened in 2017. And the loss to Lomachenko occurred last year in the UK.
Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs) realizes the odds are stacked against him, as he travels overseas to face a boxer many view as a possible mega-star in the sport.
“I try not to think about whether I need a knockout or stoppage. But I would be kidding myself if I did not think it has to be convincing. All I can do is try to keep it out of the judges’ hands," Campbell said.
“I will find him out. Unless he really is this unbelievable talent and has been dedicated for his whole life — like I have — I will be coming back with a win and I will go on to become world champion.”