Tuesday 21 October 2014 16:55, UK
Luke Campbell admits adapting to life as a professional has been tough as he prepares to face Daniel Brizuela live on Sky Sports.
The 27-year-old Olympic gold medalist is relishing the prospect of facing Brizuela for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental lightweight title in Hull this Saturday.
It's been tough, I won't lie. I was an amateur for 13 years and training all the time.
Brizuela was involved in a fantastic clash with another Hull fighter, Tommy Coyle, back in February and although Coyle eventually dispatched the Argentine via a 12th-round technical knockout, Campbell told Sky Sports News HQ that he is taking nothing for granted.
He said: "It's been tough, I won't lie. I was an amateur for 13 years and training all the time. Having to adapt to the pros, it's slightly different. I have to make adjustments and change the way my body works. It's been a gruelling year so far. I'm putting the work in so we'll see what happens.
"All the hard work's done by now. I've had a tough training camp. It's my fourth camp back to back so I've had a lot of sparring along the way. It's the best shape I've ever been and I'm ready.
"From watching him when he boxed Coyle, I think he's lost three fights out of 20 now. He's coming to win and he's tough. On paper, it's definitely my biggest test so far but whoever's there in front of me on Saturday night is getting beat.
"It's a very strong division and probably one of the best to be in right now. When you look at the Americans, there are some fantastic fighters. You've got to beat them all to be the best and that's my aim - to beat them all. Step by step.
"We all love a knockout and if I can knock him out, I sure will. My aim is to beat Daniel Brizuela. Whether it comes by points or by knockout is down to him and me on Saturday night."
On the possibility of facing his friend Coyle, who takes on Michael Katsidis on the same bill in what will surely be an explosive contest, Campbell added: "It's what all boxers dream of. The way the city of Hull has shown us support, making the best atmosphere I've ever encountered, if that could happen it would be unreal.
"It shows what the city is all about - getting behind their own as well as those coming from all around the country."
Watch Luke Campbell v Daniel Brizuela and Tommy Coyle v Michael Katsidis, Saturday 7.30pm, Sky Sports 2
