NICK CAMPBELL has predicted an explosive encounter against his ‘toughest opponent to date’, for a Scottish heavyweight title that has been vacant since 1951.
Saturday night’s bout against Jay McFarlane at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow will be shown live on Sky Sports, with his Jersey fans due to gather to watch at Chambers in St Helier.
A contingent will also fly up to Scotland to witness the former Jersey Reds player in action.
Campbell’s eight-week training camp has seen him travelling to the UK to find people to spar with and, after 84 rounds in that period, he is feeling positive.
‘Jay is a really tough opponent, my toughest to date, he’s going to come to fight and try and upset the apple cart, so I have to be ready and switched on to get the job done,’ said Campbell.
‘I think I’ve got what it takes to beat him. I expect to go out there and do what I need to do. Expect fireworks. I’d be surprised if it went the ten rounds. I’m prepared for whatever, whether the chance comes for a knockout in the first, second, third, fourth round, when the opportunity presents itself I’m willing to take it.’
The 32-year-old ‘Glasgow Warrior’ counts Jersey as his home, but also says he is a Glasgow boy through and through.
It should mean plenty of support on the day.
‘You have to savour these moments, because they are over in a blink of an eye,’ he added.
Glaswegians George Stern and Hugh McDonald were the last to contest the Scottish heavyweight title.
Winning it could help create a path towards the British title but Campbell’s thoughts are firmly on this weekend.
‘I’m not going to look too far past this fight, to me that would be dangerous,’ he said. ‘Jay is a tough, dangerous opponent, I need 100% focus for the fight. I know if I get the job done it opens up opportunities for more.’
Campbell has a perfect record over four professional fights, while McFarlane has won 12 and lost five in his career.
McFarlane began boxing as an eight-year-old and has a unique story. He spent time in a Caribbean Orphanage at the age of ten, after his mother and partner were arrested for drug smuggling while travelling home from a family holiday. He has said nobody could hurt him in the ring as much as that did.
His boxing journey has included a fight on the undercard in New York’s Maddison Square Garden.
The Campbell/McFarlane fight is part of a bill that will be headlined by undisputed super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor’s defence against Jack Catterall.
Campbell spoke of his appreciation for the messages of support he has received from Islanders.
‘I will make the Island proud on Saturday,’ he said.
Coverage begins on Sky Sports Action from 7pm and from 8pm on Sky Sports Main Event.
