By Terence Dooley

Hull's Luke Campbell (13-1, 11 KOs) believes that the sacrifices he has made over the past six months will help him put his sole loss behind him and propel him into world title contention.  The former Olympian was out-pointed by Yvan Mendy in December.  The defeat prompted a move to Miami to hook up with Jorge Rubio, and Campbell insists that the decision will pay dividends down the line.

"I've been away for a long time and it was tough, but a necessary sacrifice,” he said when speaking to the Hull Daily Mail about making the move to America/"

“It's great to be back at home with my family and friends, but it's all about keeping focused on what's ahead and not resting up now I'm home.”

Campbell returned to Hull to host a training session at his gym (the Hull Academy) whilst preparing for his July 30 fight date.  It is a chance to let local fans know that he still values his hometown support.

The 28-year-old meets former IBF Super featherweight titlist Argenis Mendez at the First Direct Arena, Leeds in his next bout, which he hopes will go a long way to putting him back on the road to title glory following a two-round comeback win over Gary Sykes in March.

He said: “I'm still working hard for this next fight and I've missed being around the city and being able to meet my fans.  That's why I wanted to hold an open training session at my gym, to let everyone come down and see me and my team at work and also have the chance to meet some people.  I've brought over two of Jorge's fighters from his gym for me to spar with.  They are two very good American kids and people will be able to see them in action too.

“It's going to be a good workout having everyone there to watch.  The gym is a little upside down at the minute because I'm still in the process of getting it exactly how I want it.  It's going to be a special place when it's finished.  I'm looking forward to the session and I cannot wait for fight night.”

“Cool Hand” is expecting a hard night’s work against his Brooklyn-based opponent, vowing to be in peak condition for the latest step on his road to rehabilitation.

“It's going to be a tough test against a very good opponent who has fought at the very top for some time now, so I know I need to be at my best, but that's the plan,” he predicted.

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