Everybody loves a needle match don?t they?
Although they were previously billed as ?friends? in the loosest terms ahead of last nights? huge WBC final lightweight title eliminator, the clash between the two Hull fighters, Luke Campbell and Tommy Coyle showed that friendship can end when fighters? climb into the ring.
At Craven Park, the home of Hull Kingston Rovers Rugby League club, Campbell, an Olympic gold medal winner from London 2012, was looking to keep his unbeaten professional record going against Coye who was of the opinion that he could provide an upset.
However, in front of 15,000 spectators it was to be Campbell who was to prove himself the better fighter, on the night. His harper work, quickness of hand and devastating body shots were to prove the decisive factors.
Coyle?s game-plan seemed to be to storm forward, crudely, disrupting Campbell?s style. The first significant moment of the fight came in the second round when a devastating body-shot saw Coyle wince and crumple to the canvas.
Coyle, having climbed to his feet, tried to get back into the fight using his rough-house tactics, a style that saw him receive a lecture from the referee. But Campbell was always looking the more likely winner, his slick style, perfected in the amateur game, helping him keep Coyle at bay.
The end, when it came, in the 10th round, saw Campbell up his game and catch Coyle with some stunning shots. Three times Coyle hit the canvas and each time he looked to be edging closer to the end. Therefore it was no surprise that the referee stepped in to bring proceedings to a halt.
Speaking after the fight Campbell had this to say from the ringside,
‘I knew I was in for a great fight. I just wanted to show everyone what I can do.?
For Coyle now is the time to reassess where he heads next, for Campbell his destiny lies in those own fast hands he has been gifted with.
Campbell Stops Coyle in Hull Thriller
