OFTEN mentioned in the same breath as heavyweight boxing’s all-time greats, Tyson Fury had an Islander in his training camp ahead of this weekend’s bout with Francis Ngannou.
Undefeated and dominant in the modern era of the sport the “Gypsy King” has had former Jersey Red Nick Campbell putting him through his paces over the last three weeks.
The current Scottish Heavyweight Champion, and Jersey resident, is still relatively new to the world of boxing and described being part of Fury and Joe Parker’s training camp as “surreal”.
Campbell’s close friendship with the Kiwi Parker, a former WBO heavyweight champion, gave him the opportunity to learn from one of the all-time greats.
He said: “Joe [Parker] is a very good friend of mine, so I’ve been involved in a couple of previous camps for him.
“He brought me in as a sparring partner, ahead of his fight with Simon Kean and, off the back of that, Tyson [Fury] decided to use me as well.
“It was world class. In terms of heavyweight boxing, there is no better camp to possibly be a part of.
“It was all a bit surreal, to be honest. I would be sitting round with Tyson eating dinner and having a normal conversation with him.
“He is a real humble guy. He’s a great guy.
“I think what the media portray him to be and how he actually is are two completely different things.”
Campbell described his experience in Fury and Parker’s camp as “invaluable” and an environment that brought the best out of everyone.
“Sometimes sparring partners can be brought in as cannon fodder, just around to get beaten up,” he added.
“But this was completely different. Both Joe and Tyson actively encouraged me to fight and do everything I could to hit them.
“It was a very real training format and the idea they had is that if the sparring is harder than on fight night, they will both be very prepared to get the win.”
It was not just the experience of Parker and Fury that Campbell was exposed to.
The latter’s coach, SugarHill Steward, is the nephew of boxing trainer Emanuel Steward, widely regarded as one of the greatest cornermen of all time.
Meanwhile, former professional and cousin of Fury, Andy Lee was also on hand to advise Campbell and co.
The Islander continued: “Sugar is real character. He saw me taking notes after all the sessions and gave me a bit of a hard time for it.
“Apparently, if he gives you a hard time, it means he likes you.
“To have so many great names in the world of boxing giving you knowledge was unbelievable. Money can’t really buy you that experience.
“Tyson was in my corner for a couple of my sparring sessions. When I began this boxing journey, I could only dream of having him there helping me.”
For Campbell, his last scheduled bout against Jiri Surmaj ended in frustration after the Czech’s late withdrawal through injury.
Martin Bakole stepped in as a late replacement for an exhibition fight last month at late notice.
But the Scot has his sights set on the future, and a potential rematch with the only man to have defeated him to date, Steve Robinson.
Campbell said: “The number one for me would be to get that rematch with Steve.
“Jay McFarlane is after another fight after I won the Scottish Heavyweight Championship against him, but my main focus is to right that wrong against Steve.
“Heavyweight boxing is a very unforgiving sport. All it takes is one mistake and that can change your fate.
“In terms of where I am now, knowledge-wise and as a fighter, it’s night and day. I am very ready for the next challenge and being ready for when that opportunity comes knocking.”
