Campbell's Stance switch

Nick Campbell has changed coach and manager since his first professional defeat

A HOME-town return is on the cards for boxer Nick Campbell as he seeks to shift his career back onto a winning track.

The Island resident is set to appear in Glasgow on Friday 14 April for a ‘fresh start’, having changed both his coach and manager since suffering a shock loss late last year.

Campbell, the reigning Scottish heavyweight champion, was handed his first defeat as a professional by Steve Robinson in December, following five convincing wins from five.

‘This is going to be a “build back up” fight,’ said the former Jersey Reds rugby player, who has now teamed up with Lee Eaton, at Let’s Go Management, and trainer Billy Nelson.

‘I’ve picked up a new manager and a new coach and there are exciting opportunities. I need to build again after the last fight.

‘After the last fight [promoter] Mark Dunlop said he felt he wasn’t the right guy for me any more so he terminated my contract. But Lee manages lots of fighters in the UK and puts on a lot of different shows. He’s involved with a lot of different promoters.

‘Billy has been involved in 20 world title fights and coached Scott Harrison [WBO featherweight world champion] and Ricky Burns [former world champion in three divisions]. I feel as though he can add a bit to my game. It is like I’m trying to learn to ride a bike again, but it’s good for my development.’

An opponent has yet to be confirmed for the bout, which is due to be staged at Big Feed in the Govan area of Glasgow, in association with Boxing Social. However, Campbell is hoping for a challenge on home turf.

‘I want to get back to winning ways but it’s got to be someone who is not just coming for the pay cheque,’ he explained. ‘I need someone who will come to fight and want to upset the apple cart, because that will allow me to implement some of the things I’ve been working on in training, like boxing on the outside, everything off the jab, tightening up my defence.’

He added: ‘I live in Jersey but Glasgow is my home town. I have lots of friends and family still there and any time you can fight in your home town, it’s something special. And there will be a Jersey contingent coming over too.

‘Thankfully the flight routes from Jersey are picking up again so there will be a good bit of support there from the Island.’

Beyond April, Campbell’s career wishlist includes a chance of redemption.

‘Long-term I’d like a rematch with Steve Robinson,’ he said.

‘I believe he’s out fighting for an international title soon but if I do get a rematch I think it would be a very winnable fight.

‘I felt like I was winning [in December], but in heavyweight boxing one punch can change everything.

‘As a team hopefully that’s what we’re working towards and I know Steve has teamed up with [Jersey resident] Dennis Hobson now.

‘I’ll be knocking on his door to get a rematch,’ he joked. ‘Hopefully he’ll be reading this.’

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