Ryan Garcia vs Luke Campbell: Date, Time & Where to Watch.Ryan Garcia vs “Coolhand” Luke Campbell: Preview
On the 2nd of January, 2021, one of boxing’s hottest prospects faces off against a veteran of the sport in Luke Campbell for the interim WBC Lightweight World Title.
Watch >> https://is.gd/pfcR8i
It’s a classic encounter – a rising star meets an established name, with plenty on the line for both parties. Ryan Garcia will be looking for a statement win in his first real test, while Campbell will be trying to maintain his legitimacy at world level.
The bout was originally scheduled for December, but was postponed after Campbell had contracted COVID-19.
Both boxers are very highly skilled operators with traits that would make them a tough proposition for anyone at lightweight. Garcia is lightning fast and possesses deceptive one-punch power, whilst Campbell is a crafty southpaw with warrior-like resiliency and heart.
It’s good to see the young gun jump into the deep end with a dangerous proposition, also. It’s not quite the leap in class that Teofimo Lopez took when he squared off against Lomachenko a few months ago, but it is nonetheless a considerable gulf.
Campbell has downplayed Garcia’s presence as a contender on the world stage, while a Garcia retorted by claiming he would “hurt” his opponent. Whether this is a show or genuine bad blood between the two is irrelevant. If it persuades more people to purchase the fight, fine. But what really matters is what happens in the ring.
Ryan Garcia
Ryan Garcia’s rise from social media punchline to legitimate contender has been an interesting one. People seem too caught up in his flamboyant, ostentatious nature on Instagram and the like to notice the talent that lies behind it all.
He has supernaturally fast hands and power to go with it. Against the opponents he’s been facing, this has been more than enough to blow them away. However, it’s fair to say that Coolhand is a step above his preferred prey.
Garcia’s defense has been called into question by his legions of critics, but it’s important to remember that this is a criticism leveed at pretty much every up-and-coming superstar that has ever existed. He’s not shown a high level of defensive prowess in his fights so far however and he will need to improve against Campbell.
He was given a minor scare by Carlos Morales, who had him hurt in the seventh, but Garcia was able to out land and outwork his opponent to secure a decision win. His predictable (if not static) head movement hindered him throughout this fight, leaving him open to damaging shots from a fighter not known for his power.
If Garcia does not become more actively defensive against Coolhand, he could be in serious trouble from the Yorkshire lad.
On the flip side, offensively, Garcia is able to give Campbell a whole world of problems. He has a fast jab, which is very important as an orthodox fighter facing a southpaw.
Furthermore, he’s got decent footwork and times his counter punches effectively. This will nullify any attempt from his opponent to rush him down and bully the younger fighter.
How should Garcia approach this fight? First, on no uncertain terms, he has to keep his head moving or Campbell will exploit this. Their reach is almost identical, so it would make sense for him to vary his attacks, rather than sticking to his trusty fast 1-2.
Campbell is canny, but not impregnable. If Garcia can land a strong shot flush and keep the pressure on, he should be able to see off the older man.