Tommy Coyle says he will beat Luke Campbell MBE in a huge summer showdown – providing he can see off Martin Gethin on Saturday night (March 7) at the Hull Ice Arena, live on Sky Sports.
Coyle meets former British champion Gethin at the top of the bill, while Campbell returns to the line-up having pulled out to over the health of his father, and the pair will be under the spotlight as they aim to clash outdoors in their home city – in what Coyle says would be the largest sporting occasion the city has hosted.
“My fight with Luke would be the biggest event that has ever happened in Hull,” said Coyle. “I am so, so excited about it. Luke and I are quite good friends but I have a job to do and I want to be number one. Luke wants to be number one as well, so we will put that friendship aside and go to war. I am sure once the fight is over, whatever the result, we will embrace and be friends as we are now – but I believe that I would beat Luke.
“Martin is first and foremost and I have to do a job. The fight with Luke is hanging over my head but I have to do a job on Martin for that fight to remain as big as it is. I will concentrate on Martin because he is a tough, tough opponent. He has won a British title, something I have never won before, so I have to be at my very best.
“Martin Gethin is a good, tough fighter; you don’t win British titles without being a good fighter. He has boxed in good company at a high level. He applies relentless pressure, he doesn’t stop coming forward and he has a very good left upper-cut, he likes to use his left hand a lot and I will have to be at my very best to chalk up a win against Martin.
“I think he will be looking for the tear-up. He has done in every single one of his fights and he isn’t going to change much. He will come with his A-game, apply the pressure and try and wear me down. But the way I have trained for this fight, I could do 20 rounds. I am in great physical shape, probably fitter than I have ever felt.
“He really needs this win. He really needs this win to get back in the mix, so he is going to be really hungry and he will come out there looking to impress and get a big win. I really have to be on guard and at my best.”
Coyle and Campbell’s bouts are part of a huge night of action in Hull with exciting Birmingham talent Sam Eggington tackling Shayne Singleton for the WBC International Silver Welterweight title.
Two of Britain’s unbeaten stars Rocky Fielding and Bradley Saunders are in action, with World-rated Super Middleweight Fielding returning from a hand injury and Saunders warming up for his Commonwealth Light Welterweight showdown with Dave Ryan in April.
Former Team GB squad member Gamal Yafai continues his rise in the paid ranks and he’s joined by a quintet of local talents Tom Knight, Nathon Smith, Charlie Payton, Connor Seymour and Ryan Fuller.
Tickets are on sale now priced £40 and £60 are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com
