TOMMY COYLE and Luke Campbell scored the most impressive wins of their careers at the Ice Arena in Hull to set up showdown between the pair next year. Coyle knocked out grizzled Aussie Michael Katsidis in the second round, while the flawless Campbell beat up Daniel Brizuela in five.
Katsidis’ end came with Coyle being pushed back towards the ropes, where he unloaded a savage counter left hook that knocked the stuffing out of the ageing warrior. The visitor’s eyes glazed over and he fell to the canvas before gamely hauling himself upright at the count of ‘nine’. But the referee correctly waved off the contest and, more than likely, Katsidis’ career.
“I’ve followed Michael’s career from day dot,” Coyle told Sky Sports after the statement victory. “What a fantastic talent and it was an honour to share a ring with him. I’m lost for words. I can’t believe I have KO’d him. I’m on top of the world.”
Campbell, meanwhile, was just as impressive. The Olympic champion’s impeccable jab set up everything, and the youngster slammed a hurtful blast at Brizuela – who gave Coyle an epic fight earlier in the year – in the opening stages. But Campbell was patient, shrugged off a brief rally from the Argentinean in round two, and upped the pressure in rounds three and four, before applying the finishing touches in round five.
“He was coming to win, has a very good record and is very experienced,” Campbell said. “For me to go in there and do that I am really happy with myself.
“I’m a bit overwhelmed with the crowd and the support I have got here tonight. Hopefully I can come back and put on another great performance in Hull.”
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