Campbell vs Coyle will be headlining at the KC Lightstream Stadium, Hull, later this evening. Both men weighed in successfully on the scales, looked in tip-top shape, and now it’s time for Boxing Base’s official prediction, the keys to victory, plus each man’s strengths and weaknesses. Let’s get straight to it…
Campbell vs Coyle Breakdown
Luke Campbell
Strengths: The Gold medalist’s strengths are plain to see for most who’ve witnessed his 11 bouts: advanced technical ability that only a remarkable amateur career can produce. Campbell’s solid fundamentals and timing allow him to exploit his opponent’s mistakes with ease. Long reach, accuracy, top-tier footwork – not forgetting fight-changing power – make him a formidable foe.
Weaknesses: Who can really say at this point of his career? Is it pressure fighters? Counter-punchers? We’ve no idea – which is what makes this acid test bout all the more interesting. So far, Campbell has disposed of unworthy opposition in style – like many prospects do – but as of yet, no particular weaknesses have been exposed. We’d be nitpicking if we stated any.
Tommy Coyle
Strengths: Coyle doesn’t boast a great amateur background or shiny medals. It is Coyle’s fight-or-die mentality – coupled with decent power and boxing skills – that makes him a nightmare in the ring. Coyle has said you have to knock him out to pump his breaks, and it’s true; the only guy to stop him climbing off the canvas was Derry Matthews (who knocked Coyle down and out in 2013). Coyle is a solid Domestic/European level fighter, and he comes to win.
Weaknesses: Coyle has a fair few, let’s be honest. And they’ve been exploited by sub-par opposition like Daniel Eduardo Brizuela in 2014. That fight in particular highlighted Coyle’s tremendous fighting spirit and heart, but unfortunately his flawed defense. Coyle is highly durable, sure, but his susceptibility to be decked on numerous occasions will be a concern against a pedigree boxer like Campbell.
Campbell vs Coyle: Keys to Victory
Luke Campbell
- Respect the rugged, tough fighter that is Coyle, but remain the boss, setting the rhythm and dictating the pace
- Keep Coyle at bay with the jab, utilizing the significant reach advantage
- The shorter Coyle’s only chance of victory is to force his way inside; when he does, make him miss and pay, and throw that chopping right-hand counter over the top
Tommy Coyle
- Rough up Campbell; get into his chest and spoil to upset the Olympian’s rhythm
- Maintain a tight guard, but be sure to let those hands go – this is a fight won on brawn not intelligence
- The longer this fight goes, the more confident and comfortable Campbell will become – outwork/muscle him early to shake this guy up
Campbell vs Coyle: Prediction
This is a hard fight to call as neither man has ever come up against such tough opposition in their careers. We know Coyle’s ability level, his limitations, and how he responds to turbulence in the ring. With Campbell, we know his obvious strengths, but not how he reacts to a live opponent. Now, it’s very easy to get carried away with promotional ‘hype’ and ‘buzz’ – and in those instances, it’s often best to go with your gut.
So, in keeping with that notion, here’s how we see the fight going…
The Fight
Just because Campbell hasn’t fought anyone like Coyle, it doesn’t mean he can’t beat the guy. Campbell is simply too smart and capable to be pushed by his foe here. Coyle will likely come on strong early, but the more leather Coyle throws, the more he will get sucked into Campbell’s traps. And the more pressure Coyle applies, the more likely he is to be taken out early.
Campbell will dictate the pace, and coupled with his reach and height advantage, things could get ugly for his opponent. Coyle will fight his heart out for a few rounds, but after getting knocked down, Campbell won’t let him off the hook. (We absolutely hope we’re wrong about this and that Campbell vs Coyle is a decent scrap!)
Official Prediction: Campbell via 5th round KO/TKO
Do you agree with our Campbell vs Coyle prediction? Let us know your take on the fight below, fight fans!
The BoxingBase.com writing staff provide worldwide boxing news, coverage and analysis – they can be contacted via email and social media.
