NEWPORT boxer Craig Woodruff is set to get a shot at Olympic champion Luke Campbell in Liverpool next week, writes Andrew Penman.

Woodruff, the former Welsh lightweight champion, is being lined up to take on London 2012 gold medal winner Campbell in Liverpool on Saturday, July 12.

The fight over six rounds will take place on the same bill as Nathan Cleverly’s cruiserweight clash with Argentine champion Alejandro Valori and Tony Bellew’s showdown with Brazil’s WBO Latino champion Julio Cesar Dos Santos.

The show, promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, is live on Sky Sports from the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

Hull fighter Campbell, aged 26, is unbeaten in five fights since turning pro just under a year ago and is seen as one of the next big talents in British boxing.

Woodruff has had some notable successes in his eight professional bouts, beating Konrad Dobrowski, Carl Johanneson, Tony Pace and Dai Davies.

But he has lost his last two fights – against Mitchell Buckland of St Joseph’s gym for the Celtic lightweight title last September and to Martin Ward in March – and will be a big underdog against Campbell.

Trainer Steve Sims believes the 21-year-old can cause Campbell problems, however.

“It’s a great opportunity for Craig and one he couldn’t turn down even if it has come at short notice,” said Sims from his Alway gym.

“Craig has kept ticking over at the gym and I believe he can surprise Campbell.

“He wasn’t well before the Ward fight but he’ll be in top condition come a week on Saturday and ready to show people what he can do.”