Junior featherweight prospect Javon Campbell is not letting anyone or anything slow him down or prevent him from reaching the elite level of the division.
Campbell will face Manuel Guzman tonight at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio. The six-round bout will precede the main event bout between junior lightweight contender Albert Bell and Nicolas Polanco.
Both fights will stream live on Fite.tv (7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT).
Campbell (9-1, 8 knockouts), who resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, last fought on May 14, knocking out journeyman Daniel Coronel in the second round. The win over Coronel came less than three months after Campbell stopped gatekeeper Ira Terry in the opening round.
The 26-year-old fought four times last year and he hopes to stay as active, if not more, in the coming months.
“I had a slow start so I’m really playing catch-up,” Campbell told BoxingScene Thursday. “When COVID came around, it put a pause on my career so it’s very important for me to stay active so I can get in the mix with these other fighters that are considered ‘top fighters.’”
Campbell has won his last eight fights, all by knockout. He is in a much better position now in his personal life and his career, considering he had to make important personal changes.
“Cutting all distractions and really dedicating myself to my craft,” said Campbell, who is promoted by Vick Green. “I know I have the potential to be one of the greats, but that’ll never happen if I don’t stay fully committed.”
Since making his pro debut in July 2019, Campbell has fought at 122 and 126 pounds. He weighed in at exactly 122 pounds in his win over Coronel.
Even as he enters into the peak of his career, Campbell claims he can still make the junior featherweight division. He is confident he can face any of the prospects, contenders, or world titleholders in the division.
“I feel very comfortable,” said Campbell. “I don’t see myself leaving the division until I accomplish my goal of being a world champion.”
Campbell hopes to make a statement tonight at the expense of Guzman (8-6-1, 5 KOs), who resides in Managua, Nicaragua.
“Every fight, I’m committed to make a statement to show that not only are these other fighters not on my level, but I’m one of the most exciting fighters, not just in my division, but (in) the world. I believe that so I’ll keep proving it every time I step (inside) the ring.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene since September 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing