SCOTTISH heavyweight boxing champion Nick Campbell is determined to take 2024 by storm as he plans his next moves.
The former Jersey Reds rugby player was set to fight in the “Battle of the Giants” against Englishman Hosea Stewart on 30 November, but was left frustrated as Stewart pulled out the day before.
After failing to submit medical records in time, Stewart was denied permission to fight, leaving Campbell without an opponent and unable to find a replacement.
Back in September, Campbell suffered a similar frustration when opponent Jiri Surmaj of the Czech Republic, withdrew from the bout at the last minute.
Campbell was able to find an opponent and fight in an exhibition bout on this occasion, but is still chasing his seventh professional win.
The Glasgow Warrior expressed his disappointment, saying: “It’s extremely frustrating. I had organised flights and there were supporters coming from all over.”
When asked about how he deals with these setbacks mentally, the pugilist said: “In life there are always ups and downs. All I can do when things like this happen is remember where I started and where I want to go.
“That helps keep me motivated to continue training hard and make sure I’m ready when the next opportunity comes.”
Campbell, who had been in full-time training for eight weeks, six in Jersey and two in Ireland leading up to this bout, has spoken about how crucial for his mindset working with new coach Andy Lee, cousin of Tyson Fury, has been, as well as recently training with lineal heavyweight champion Fury himself, and former WBO champion Joseph Parker.
“Training with those guys was unreal. Tyson is a great guy and what I’ve learned from him is invaluable, both in and out of the ring.”
New team-mate under Lee, Parker, is set to return to the ring on 23 December in Saudi Arabia in a highly anticipated bout with extreme power puncher, “The Bronze Bomber” Deontay Wilder.
“Joseph Parker is now a real good mate and a team-mate of mine under Andy Lee,” said Campbell. “I am blessed to get to have these opportunities to train with the world’s most elite boxers.”
Looking ahead, Campbell is on a training camp in Düsseldorf with Lee, where he will train and spar with German fighter Agit Kabayel, who has an unbeaten professional record of 23-0 with 15 knock-outs.
Kabayel, a 12-year veteran of the professional game who has recorded wins against Derek Chisora and Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson, is also set to appear on the Parker-Wilder card against 18-0 Russian giant Arslanbek Makhmudov. Campbell continued: “The opportunity to train and spar with these top-level guys is so crucial for me. I want to take all the skills and mindset techniques I’ve learned and start applying it more to my own career.
“I want to use chances like this to train hard and make sure I am in the best place possible in 2024.”
Campbell does not currently have a fight scheduled, but says he is hoping for a bout early next year.
“I never thought when I started these opportunities would come about,” he added. “I believe anything is possible, and rubbing shoulders with champions has made me hungry for my own success even more. Belts and titles, especially in Europe, are in my plan. But also I want to put my name up there and proudly represent Scotland and Jersey.”
