Star Brit Campbell wins in front of legend Lewis
British bantamweight gold medal fancy Luke Campbell qualified for the Olympic quarter-finals Wednesday despite a nervy first appearance watched by former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.
The 24-year-old world silver medallist admitted his nerves hadn't been helped by being told just before he entered the arena that Lewis, who won Olympic gold in 1988 for Canada but fought as a Briton when he turned professional, was sitting in the stands commentating.
"I was told just before I went into the arena that Lennox Lewis was up there watching me. I thought 'Wow' Lennox Lewis come to see me!" said Campbell, who was also watched by another ex-heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield.
"It didn't exactly help my nerves," he added after his win over Jahyn Parrinello of Italy.
Campbell, who had a bye into the second round due to his being seeded third, said that his plan had been to try and stay calm but it had proved impossible given the circumstances.
"I told myself I wouldn't put pressure on myself but of course in practice it's impossible," he said.
"This is the biggest event on the planet. The crowd (10,000) would make anyone nervous!" added Campbell, who had 15 friends and family travel down from Hull to see the bout.
Campbell next faces experienced Bulgarian Detelin Dalakliev, who ended Australian Ibrahim Balla's interest in the competition with a 14-10 win, in what is the third time they have met at championships.
"I beat him in the 2008 European final (in Liverpool, which saw Campbell become the first Briton to win European gold since 1961) and last year at the world championships," he said.
"I am confident that I can beat him again as I am improving all the time."
Campbell has avoided the half of the draw containing Cuban Lazaro Alvarez, who beat him in last year's world final, said he didn't really take notice of the optimistic noises being made about his ability to win gold.
"Those are just people's opinions which is fine as far as they go," said Campbell, who didn't bother watching the afternoon session bantam contests preferring to go for a walk and read in his room.
"What counts though is how I feel, and I am confident in what I can do."
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/star-brit-campbell-wins-front-legend-lewis-210844586--oly.html
occupy oakland morgellons disease arik armstead sag awards red carpet torrey pines nhl all star game 2012 pollyanna