Last week I had the pleasure of conducting an interview with Nate Campbell, the #2 ranked IBF Jr. Lightweight. He had a lot to say about Morales-Barrera III, the IBF, and nemesis Robbie Peden.

 

Campbell's main concern focused on the upcoming bout between Erik "El Terrible" Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. Nate had problems accepting the fact that Barrera was going to be allowed to challenge the champion in a division where he had never fought before,  while he (Campbell) had to fight an elimination bout to gain his #2  ranking.

 

At the time of the interview the fight between Morales and Barrera had not been made official. This weekend Bob Arum held a press conference making the bout between the two Mexican warriors official. With the fight between Morales and Barrera a done deal, the IBF felt the proper action to take was to strip Erik Morales of his title. With the title vacant, #1 contender Robbie Peden will now have his chance at claiming the crown, and his rightful opponent should be #2 ranked contender Nate Campbell.

 

With Morales out of the IBF picture and with Peden and Campbell being ranked #1 and #2 respectively, it looks as if both fighters will have another go at each other. In their first bout Campbell seemed to be the better of the two, having hurt Peden. Then Campbell decided to clown around, dropping his hands by his side and sticking his chin out, inviting a shot from Peden... A shot he got, as Peden landed a huge shot to the chin that sent Campbell down and out.

 

During our interview Campbell stated that the incident "was a fluke" while making no excuses for his actions in the ring; he took full responsibility. On the other side of the table is Robbie Peden who beat Campbell fair and square. Let's not forget that one of the first rules in boxing is to protect yourself at all times. It is a rule that Campbell forgot about and paid the price for it.

 

I'm sure Robbie Peden would love to fight Campbell again, to set the record  straight -not only with Campbell- but with the majority of boxing fans who also believe his victory was a fluke and that without Campbell’s hot dogging, he wouldn't have won the bout.

 

Erik Morales losing his IBF title it's a win-lose situation for Peden. He wins because he gets his chance at fighting for the title but he also loses because a fight with Morales would have certainly commended more money than a fight with Campbell. I could be wrong, though, and perhaps Peden doesn't care who he fights for the title as long as he fights for it.

 

I hope the rematch between Robbie Peden and Nate Campbell is made soon. It should prove to be an exciting fight, one that will set the record straight between these two men once and for all. While this bout doesn't hold the same magnitude as a third meeting of Morales and Barrera, it does not mean it will not be as good or better.