Luke Campbell plans to knock out young contender Ryan Garcia when they meet at the start of 2021.
Campbell vs. Garcia was delayed when the Hull fighter tested positive for coronavirus, and their bout has been rescheduled for 2 January 2021.
The 33-year-old Briton has now recovered from the infection, and speaking to Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn ahead of the fight, he explained that the symptoms he suffered were relatively mild.
“Just a slight put-back, really,” Campbell said.
“I was really lucky with the symptoms I had, but it was just missing the prep work in the gym. So we’ve got a new day and we’re flying in camp.”
Campbell unsuccessfully challenged for world titles in 2017 and then in 2019, and knows that Garcia will present a tough challenge. He told Hearn that he will be focused on performing.
“Always for me, I’ve got to go in there not making any mistakes and being the best I can be. And I believe me being the best I can be will beat anyone in the lightweight division,” he said.
“I believe I’m coming into my prime now, and everything that’s happened in the past has all been a learning experience to get me where I am today, to perform the way I will perform on January 2nd.”
Garcia is currently unbeaten in 20 fights since turning pro in 2016, with all but three victories coming by knockout. Nevertheless, Campbell said he would be giving the 22-year-old Californian a taste of his own medicine.
“I believe I’m going to win this fight, 100 per cent ... he’s getting knocked out.”