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Preview: Luke Campbell vs. Tommy Coyle

Sports Mole previews the Hull showdown between lightweight duo Luke Campbell and Tommy Coyle, which takes place at Craven Park on Saturday night.

After amassing 11 successive victories in the professional ranks since winning a gold medal at London 2012, British lightweight Luke Campbell features in his first high-profile domestic showdown on Saturday night when he takes on Hull rival Tommy Coyle.

Elsewhere on Matchroom Sport's Rumble on the Humber card, former world title challenger Brian Rose attempts to save his career in a rematch with Carson Jones, while Ricky Burns and Dillian Whyte also feature on a stacked card at Craven Park.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at the main event, while also assessing the significance of the bouts on the undercard.

1. Luke Campbell vs. Tommy Coyle

Like several of his London 2012 teammates, Luke Campbell has long been touted as a future world champion, but while some fighters in other nations have been fast-tracked to the top, the 27-year-old has progressed at a steady pace to set him up for more meaningful contests in the future.

After blowing away Daniel Brizuela in five rounds back in October, it became apparent that the lightweight's technical expertise would help him move along at a faster rate and after two more quick victories, he arrives at his meeting with Coyle seemingly well placed to start the journey towards a world title opportunity at the back end of 2016.

Luke Campbell (L) in action against Levis Morales during their Lightweight contest at The Hull Arena on March 7, 2015 in Hull, England© Getty Images

However, Coyle has enjoyed a rise up the ranks of his own and he will be aware that this is his opportunity to make significant noise in the division. At the same venue two years ago, Coyle announced himself on the British stage with a valiant effort during a 10th-round defeat to Derry Mathews, but that setback acted as the springboard for his future success as he got off the canvas four times to beat Brizuela while also notching a second-round win over veteran Michael Katsidis.

While overcoming Katsidis represented a big scalp for Coyle, he almost came unstuck against former British champion Martin Gethin, who floored him during the early stages of their meeting earlier this year. It was a wake-up call for the 25-year-old who almost blew his chance of securing one of his dream matches, but the lacklustre nature of his performance could perhaps be put down to overlooking Gethin with such a major encounter in the pipeline.

Tommy Coyle pose for a photograph during the Luke Campbell Media Work Out at the Hull City Hall on June 22, 2013© Getty Images

Nevertheless, Coyle can't afford anything but his absolute best this weekend or else he is likely to suffer the third defeat of his career. Much of the build-up has been centred around Campbell's lack of experience in the professional ranks in comparison to Coyle, who has entered the 10th round in four of his 23 fights, but representing your country at the Olympics will bring its own benefits and Campbell won't be overawed by the occasion.

Coyle has acknowledged that it is unlikely that he will out-box Campbell but what can't be disputed is his will to win. Twice in the space of 13 months, he has gotten off the floor to emerge victorious, and that's something that could happen this weekend. Coyle isn't as much of an outsider as bookmakers would have you believe, but it will take a career-best performance from Coyle to come through this WBC eliminator with the win.

Undercard

After he was controversially stopped in their first contest back in February, Brian Rose is aware that he can't afford anything but a victory against Carson Jones this weekend. Rose had been looking to rebuild his career after suffering a seventh-round defeat to WBO champion Demetrius Andrade last summer, but he wasn't deemed to be in a fit state to continue against the American after taking a number of unanswered punches.

Brian Rose celebrates his victory over Javier Maciel during their Final Eliminator for WBO World Light Middleweight Championship bout at Motorpoint Arena on October 26, 2013© Getty Images

It was generally accepted that the referee had made a poor decision, but Rose must take advantage of his second chance if he wants to work his way back up the rankings. Jones has something of a mixed reputation among British fans after his two performances against Kell Brook, but he will take encouragement from his last display and with world-renowned trainer Abel Sanchez in his corner, he will be confident of another quick stoppage.

Former world champion Ricky Burns is coming off the back of a defeat to Omar Figueroa in Texas, but the Scot could take plenty of positives from his performance at a higher weight. Burns has under-performed over the past two years, but he will be hoping that his spirited effort in May can be the start of a return to the top tier in the lightweight division as he prepares to take on Prince Ofotsu this weekend.

Dillian Whyte is scheduled to face Anthony Joshua on December 12, but he must first come through two matches to set up the British title showdown with his amateur rival. The heavyweight has won all 14 of his professional outings inside four rounds and against Irineu Beato Costa Junior - who went six rounds with David Price in February - he will be looking to send a message to the Olympic gold medallist.

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