Boxing experts provide their take on Luke Campbell vs Tommy Coyle
Hull lightweights, Luke Campbell and Tommy Coyle – former amateur gym-mates and fellow barrow boys – look ahead to Saturday's WBC world title eliminator in their home city.
Olympic champion Campbell is the red-hot favourite but Coyle believes he has his more illustrious opponent's number. Campbell confidently boasts that he plans to break Coyle's heart in front of their home fans. The eagerly-anticipated summer showdown at the KC Lightstream Stadium will be an eliminator for the WBC lightweight world title.
The bout this weekend on Saturday August 1st has been sanctioned by the WBC as an official eliminator for their version of the belt, currently held by Venezuelan champion, Jorge Linares.
The winner of the Rumble on the Humber bout will progress to a final eliminator to become the mandatory challenger for the world crown so there is a lot more at stake than just local bragging rights. BBN ask the people in the know about their predictions on how the Rumble on the Humber will play out…
Tommy LangfordWBO Inter-Continental middleweight champion
"It's a great match up for the fans and for Hull in particular. Coyle has experience over Campbell in the pros but I'd say the overall experience against top level opposition lies with Campbell because of his great amateur background. I think that Campbell will be too sharp, too fast, and ultimately too good for Coyle. I expect it to go into the second half of the fight but I think Campbell will win by stoppage."
Bradley SaundersWBO Inter-Continental light-welterweight champion
"I know them both so I wouldn't be able to predict on the fight but I will wish them both the best of luck and good health after the fight."
Lloyd EllettThree-time Masters light-middleweight champion
"Definitely Luke Campbell to win. I like Coyle, he's got a big heart and is exciting to watch but I think Campbell is better in every department. I'll go for Campbell to win inside six."
Darrel ChurchLight-heavyweight
"Campbell gets a late stoppage from round nine onwards."
Ricky LeachBantamweight
"My opinion is that Luke Campbell will win by unanimous points decision. His long style of boxing will keep Coyle at range and comfortably pick up the points in the rounds. It will be a very exciting fight with two top boxers both wanting to prove who is the better boxer and going for the bragging rights. I've followed Luke from the start of his career and I really think that he will become the top boxer at his weight."
Sam SmithDebutant
"Interesting match as they know each other from the amateurs and have sparred lots of rounds together. Campbell has the physical advantages and much more experience of the pressure of high level competition, being in an Olympic final just a couple of years ago. Coyle will be competitive but is likely to be stopped in the mid to late rounds."
Peter MannFreelance Sports Writer
"A joint display of grace, power and talent will be visible from both fighters throughout an intriguing clash of champions. Tommy has the professional title, winning experience and the longevity in the paid ranks; Luke meanwhile brings the Olympic roller-coaster and a youthful exuberance which is often hard to match. Expect a thrilling contest between two very game fighters and, although I'd like to see it go all the way I can see a late stoppage win for the 2012 Olympic Gold medallist."
Tim RicksonSports Agent
"Luke Campbell is one of the most decorated amateur boxers ever and has an Olympic gold medal to his name. He is the taller of the pair and, in my opinion, the more skilful boxer, too. They can both box and they can both fight and I think that's what we'll see throughout – a bit of boxing with the occasional war thrown in to please their home crowds.
Campbell's opponents haven't been great in the pros but his level of opposition in the amateurs have been world class and he did handle Brizuela better than Coyle did which makes me think that he will get the win on the night. I just think he'll be too slick and clever for Coyle.
I actually think that Campbell is going to put on a masterful display and really toy with Coyle at times. I predict a stoppage win to Campbell in the middle rounds."