There comes a time when every young prospect has to enter a ‘coming of age’ fight. One against a fighter with a ‘pulse’. And one that can ‘fight back’. Whatever you call that kind of fight, Luke Campbell now finds himself in one on August 1st. The opponent across the ring: Tommy Coyle.
Campbell vs Coyle is an intriguing match-up for several reasons. Firstly, because Campbell is a very exciting, technically-sound fighter. A 2012 Olympic Games Gold Medalist, he’s a master of the fundamentals, and is yet to come unstuck in his 11 fights which include 9 knockouts.
Secondly, Coyle is no slouch. Fight fans – British ones certainly – will remember the tough tests he has been in, and, those he has conquered. No, he isn’t as dazzling and refined as Campbell. But make no mistake, Coyle can both bang and box – and that makes him more than a stern challenge for Campbell.
While Campbell is yet to claim a noteworthy scalp – due to his pro career infancy – Coyle is a big name on the British domestic scene. With 21 wins, 10 knockouts, and 2 losses, he is well respected. Had it not been for a concussive left-hook from Derry Matthews in the final round of a Commonwealth title bout in 2013, Coyle would have now been unbeaten in 7 fights.
Against Matthews, a domestic-level yet heavy-handed warrior, Coyle was ahead on all three scorecards. Boxing well, doing the business – and then bam! Down goes Coyle!
But he rebuilt, albeit in dramatic fashion at times. In February last year, nobody foresaw a life-and-death fight with Daniel Eduardo Brizuela. Countless knockdowns between them, and high emotions ran throughout, with Coyle winning a 12th round TKO. Following the bout, Coyle faced criticism for making hard work of Brizuela, but also praise for showcasing a true warrior spirit.
The cherry on the cake for promoting this fight – which Matchroom Boxing will no doubt push – is that both Campbell and Coyle hail from Hull. That makes this not just an all British headliner, but one which will settle a score of ‘Greatest Hull in Lightweight‘.
It’s sure to capture the British public’s imagination, and will be announced officially by Eddie Hearn of Matchroom sometime within the next week.
Let us know what you think of a Campbell vs Coyle match-up in the comments!
The BoxingBase.com writing staff provide worldwide boxing news, coverage and analysis – they can be contacted via email and social media.
