By Mark Vester
IBF/WBO lightweight champion Nate Campbell (32-5, 25KOs) is ready to make a statement when he meets IBF mandatory Ali Funeka (30-1, 25KOs) on February 14 at BankAtlantic in Sunrise, Florida. HBO will televise. Campbell fights for the first time since a decision win over previously undefeated Juan Diaz last March. He was due to fight Joan Guzman in September, but the fight was cancelled after Guzman was unable to make weight.
Campbell says the inactivity won't play a role in the fight.
"I feel great about this fight. I heard this guy say I'm nothing special. I like fighting those guys. Even though I haven't fought, I've spent a lot of time in the gym," Campbell said. "I'm always in great shape," Campbell told the Florida Times-Union.
Meanwhile, Funeka will be backed by former IBF super bantamweight champion Vuyani Bungu, who will help prepare him for the fight and work the corner. He replaces Dudu Bungu (Vuyani's younger brother).
“We sat down as a team and decided that it would be best if only Vuyani goes with Funeka because all the physical training has been done here,” a Funeka rep told The Daily Dispatch.
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