Jorge Linares returned to the United States to defeat Luke Campbell by split decision in Inglewood, California.

The judges’ cards were very even. The first one was 115-113 in favor of Campbell, while other two were in favor of the Champion, 114-113 and 115-112.

The Venezuelan Champion came out with authority from the first minute and began to cut the ring of his challenger, while he used his strong straight right hand. In the second round, Linares sent the Englishman to the canvas with a right hand to his cheekbone, which caused a cut in that area of Campbell’s face.

Despite having knocked down his opponent, the “Golden Boy” showed a lot of patience and continued to work his opponent. The following rounds kept the same style: Linares in front and Campbell, with more height and a left-handed guard, trying to counterattack.

From the fifth round, Campbell began to show that his gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics was no coincidence and began to work Linares well in the long distance, winning in several of the intermediate rounds, while holding the champion with his jab.

However, Linares showed his experience by regaining dominance from the ninth round and having a great fight closure, which was based mainly on that straight right that badly damaged the face of his challenger. The final part included another straight that almost sent Campbell to canvas again and, in the end, Linares got a good win that made him earn his second defense of the belt.

Linares left his record at 43 wins, 3 losses and 27 knockouts. Campbell left his balance at 17 victories, 2 losses and 14 knockouts.