LUKE Campbell failed in his bid to win the WBA lightweight title after a tight contest against Jorge Linares in California fell to a split decision.
The Englishman claimed gold at London 2012 as part of an excellent amateur career, but this was by far the toughest test since he turned professional.
Campbell endured a bad start, being floored in the second, and while he recovered in the later rounds, the Venezuelan used all his experience to close out the win.
Scot Victor Loughlin scored the contest 115-113 to Campbell, however the other judges gave it to Linares with scores of 115-112 and 114-113.
The defeat is the second of Campbell’s career after his shock loss to Yvan Mendy in 2015, while Linares – whose last two fights were points victories over Mancunian Anthony Crolla - extended his record to 43 wins.
In the ring afterwards, Campbell said: “No-one can ever doubt my heart. I thought I won the fight. He’s a great champion but I thought I outclassed him.”
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