• London 2012 - Boxing

Campbell crowned king of the ring

ESPN staff
August 11, 2012
Luke Campbell triumphed 14-11 © PA Photos
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Bantamweight Luke Campbell snared Great Britain's second boxing gold medal of London 2012 by beating Ireland's John Joe Nevin in the final.

Campbell, 24, lost the second round but still did enough to record a 14-11 victory, knocking his off-balance opponent down in the third with a right hook.

He has now gone one step better than the silver he managed at last year's World Championship, and joins Nicola Adams as a British gold-medal winner in the ring. He is the first British boxer to win this division at the Games since 1908 in London.

Campbell showed better timing and ring strategy throughout the contest, but lost his way a little towards the end of the middle session. However, that was the only time Nevin found himself in the ascendancy and, despite a stirring finish, never looked the classier operator for more than brief spells.

Super-heavyweight Anthony Joshua and welterweight Fred Evans have the chance to add to the British gold haul when they compete in their finals.

Former Olympic gold medallist Lennox Lewis said: "Luke Campbell was brilliant. He kept everything intact, he boxed from distance and never took any chances. He hit Nevin with a great punch in the third round, and that is what happens when you don't keep your balance."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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