Thursday 30 July 2015 13:29, UK
Luke Campbell has raised doubts about whether Tommy Coyle truly wants a 'war' when the first bell rings for their Hull showdown.
Local pride will be at stake in Saturday’s long-awaited lightweight clash between Campbell and Coyle at the KC Lightstream Stadium, live on Sky Sports.
In recent weeks, Coyle has repeatedly vowed to dish out a knockout defeat to his city rival, who is unbeaten in 11 fights.
But Campbell believes ‘Boom Boom’ has shown a hesitancy to stand and trade in recent fights and expects him to shy away from a firefight.
"Tommy says he loves a war but in his last few fights he’s boxed on the back foot," said Campbell.
I know I can hurt him and we’ll see if he wants a war when I do.
"If you are doing that, you are not going in for a war, you are going in to box. But we'll see on the night, I've prepared for anything that he can bring and I am ready. I'll go in there and do what I do best. I know I can hurt him and we’ll see if he wants a war when I do.
"People have wanted me to step-up – this is a world title eliminator. Tommy's fight with Daniel Brizuela was a 50-50 fight and I don’t believe he's any better than Brizuela – different style, but that's about it.
"I should be in with Tommy or better, and once I deal with Tommy in good style then we'll step up again against the next opponent and prove myself again.
Campbell holds no genuine ill-feeling towards Coyle, who trained alongside him as an amateur, despite their heated words in the build-up.
But the Olympic gold medallist might show his ‘nasty streak’ as he tries to pave the way for title shots in the future.
"I don't dislike Tommy, he's an obstacle in the way to reach my goals - that's it. When all the talking is done and it's just me and him in the ring, that's it, not talking, boxing.
"There's a nasty streak in me, definitely. People can take me however they want to take me, but as soon as the bell goes then I want to hurt the guy in front of me."
Watch Campbell take on Coyle and a packed Hull undercard this Saturday, from 8pm on Sky Sports 1.
