Campbell can reignite career prospects with win over Merseysider Mathews

Success in Liverpool can see Campbell flourish

Many expected ‘Cool Hand Luke’ to kick on and edge towards a world title shot himself in the lightweight division. This was in light of halting a brave Tommy Coyle in a battle between two Hull fighters, as he earned an impressive 10th-round stoppage success.

But his next appearance in London saw him endure a bitter blow against experienced French operator Mendy. Campbell lost his previous WBC international lightweight strap in a split decision loss in which he was dropped for the first time professionally.

Following the disappointing defeat and a subsequent three-month layout, Campbell recovered in style by finishing off Sykes inside two rounds. He then later got off the canvas to eventually dominate Mendez, being too quick and crafty for the Dominican Republic challenger.

Three months on from that last victory, the WBC Silver lightweight titlist is 7/2 to stop Merseysider Mathews inside rounds 7-9 at the Echo Arena. An impressive showing and triumph is potentially set to be rewarded with a shot at more illustrious belts.

Campbell v Mathews tips: Luke to shine

The 135lbs division is currently experiencing plenty of British success already. Manchester’s Anthony Crolla had risen to prominence as WBA champion before earlier being dethroned by a masterful Jorge Linares. Meanwhile fellow Mancunian Terry Flanagan reigns as the WBO holder.

Montenegro’s Dejan Zlaticanin is in possession of the WBC lightweight strap and American Robert Easter Jr boasts the IBF’s honours, with the pair being two possible future opponents for determined contender Campbell.

Before any world title talk can come to fruition for the Yorkshireman though, he must first deal with the dangerous threat of vastly experienced Liverpudlian Mathews. The Scouser is 10/3 to inflict a damaging second career defeat on Campbell.

The home fighter will be taking to the ring for the first time since his points loss to Mancunian ‘Turbo’ Flanagan in March and he’s confident of springing a surprise in front of his home fans.

“At first, when [Campbell] turned over [to pro] I thought ‘this kid’s special, I think he’ll go to the very top’. You don’t win a Gold medal if you’re not good at boxing,” stated Mathews.

“I thought ‘this kid’s special’…”

“I’ve seen his fights where he’s stepped up and to me, he hasn’t adapted to the pro game very well. So when this fight was presented to me by my manager, I jumped at it.

“Fighting in my home city, in front of my home fans, against a Matchroom fighter? It doesn’t get much bigger than that.”

Campbell’s latest dust-up with Mathews is in essence the definition of a crossroads bout for the visiting Hull fighter. Victory is set to propel him further towards a world title chance and defeat is an outcome that would have disastrous consequences.

“This is exactly the kind of fight I have been looking for and doing it in his back yard is even more exciting,” declared Campbell, who will enter at 11/2 to end proceedings in rounds 10-12 on Merseyside.

“I am starting to reach the peak…”

“I feel like I am starting to reach the peak of my professional career and Derry has some great wins on his record. I’m expecting it to be my toughest fight yet.

“This fight will engage the British public and that’s what I want, to entertain the fans and give them the big domestic title fights that can be made. My camp got underway in Miami and I can’t wait for a huge night on October 15 in Liverpool.”

With much on the line for Campbell heading into the lion’s den to face Mathews, the talented Yorkshireman has a platform on which to further build towards world title aspirations and emulate his admirable amateur feats with success in the pro ranks.

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