Former British champion Kevin Mitchell has stated his belief that Luke Campbell is the best lightweight in Britain right now.
Mitchell fought for two world titles at lightweight during his long professional career before hanging up his gloves in 2015 after 12-years in the paid ranks.
Now retired, Mitchell gave his thoughts on the domestic scene in his former weight class. A division which includes the likes of Luke Campbell, Anthony Crolla and Lewis Ritson.
“Out of Campbell Crolla or Ritson, I think you’d have to say Campbell is the best out of that bunch,” Mitchell exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I think Anthony is at the end of his career, I don’t think he should have too many more. If he does he shouldn’t be in there with punchers where he can get himself hurt. But for me, it’s Luke Campbell,” he added.
RITSON
Both Crolla and Campbell have established their names, not just in Britain, but on the world scene whereas Ritson is a new addition to the lightweight mix.
He is being touted for big things after winning the British title and winning it outright in the space of a year and is now challenging for the EBU lightweight title.
“I think he’s a really good fighter, but it’s just a case of whether he can do it when he ups his levels. I do think he’s a really good fighter,” Mitchell said of Ritson.
“We’ll soon see. He’s younger in the sport. Campbell, Crolla, Ritson, they are all a bit away from each other.
“Crolla is at the end of his career, Luke Campbell is in the prime of his career and wants to win a world title and then you have Ritson who is just at the start.”
Mitchell clearly has high hopes for Campbell and he thinks the best is yet to come from the 2012 Olympic gold medallist.
“After Campbell got beaten by Linares, he’s going to up him game even more. I was working on it for Sky and it was a close fight. I think you will see the best of Luke soon,” he concluded.
Thomas Davison is a staff writer for World Boxing News. Follow Thomas on Twitter @thomasdavison93
