Lomachenko is one belt shy of becoming the undisputed lightweight champion. Richard Commey is expected to defend his IBF strap against Teofimo Lopez, and Lomachenko wants the winner.
In the seventh, Campbell stunned Lomachenko with a right hand, but Lomachenko responded to dominate the latter stages of the round.
After a hard-fought battle, this is what Lomachenko, Campbell and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum had to say.
Lomachenko
“Of course I’m happy. I want to say thank you to {everyone} who came to support us. I want to thank everyone who organized this fight. And, of course, I’m happy. Next… {I want to fight for the} IBF {title}. That is my title.”
“In the UK, the fans are the best fans in the world. Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Of course, I want to fight {for the IBF title}, but it depends on Bob Arum.”
Arum
“Obviously, we’re looking to win the fourth belt to unify the title. But Loma and {manager} Egis {Klimas} have told me they can’t wait to come back to the UK to fight here again.The English fight fans are the best fans in the world.”
“Luke Campbell didn’t disgrace himself. He fought a hell of a fight. He’s a hell of a fighter. Big, big heart, and Luke will be back.”
“Listen, it doesn’t matter. He will fight anyone at featherweight, super featherweight or lightweight. Only the best. He’s a special, special fighter.”
Luke Campbell
“He just beat me, so he’s very good. He’s a special fighter and we all knew he was a special fighter. This is boxing and we train to win. Obviously, I’m disappointed in myself for not getting the victory.”