Campbell's Last Surge Salvages Victory Over Funeka

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

By Ryan ******** - When Nate Campbell weighed in the second time at 137, 2 pounds over the lightweight limit, the belts immediately became vacant and the crown he worked hard to attain against Juan Diaz was no longer upon his head.

Still, Campbell had everything to lose against South African Ali Funeka, who after weighing in at 133.5 was still eligible to win the IBF/WBO belts when they met in the main event at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.

Campbell, of Jacksonville, FL, opened the fight with a violent offensive assault to the head and body of South Africa's Funeka. It appeared the end of the fight was near in the second stanza when Funeka was dropped violently on a right hand by Campbell. Funeka rose on shaky legs but took a vicious pounding to the torso and cranium upon rising.

After that, the impact of faled attemptes to make weight seemed to kick in as Campbell began following Funeka around aimlessly, not letting his punches go. Funeka, a 6'1" freak of nature, used his superior height and reach to boxing Campbell at a distance where he could not land effectively with his counter right hands. [details]

[donray]

Funeka has all the tools and toughnes to beat anyone at lighweight he fought like a champion and has nothin to be ashamed about. I think funeka has the power and skill to beat anyone at lightweight diaz and marquez better be taking this guy seriously, he can defeat either one of them on any given night, I like his chances against diaz.

[Mr. Ryan]

Funeka has all the tools and toughnes to beat anyone at lighweight he fought like a champion and has nothin to be ashamed about. I think funeka has the power and skill to beat anyone at lightweight diaz and marquez better be taking this guy seriously, he can defeat either one of them on any given night, I like his chances against diaz.

Funeka's power wasn't as imposing as I thought it would be, partly because he boxed at a distance most of the night. His movement and combination punching is what most impressed me, he has a style that can give a lot of guys problems because of his dimensions.

After the fight in the dressing room and press conference, his face was grotesquely swollen and battered. I bet Campbell is really hurting today. This is a sunglasses week for him, no doubt.

I too think he would beat Diaz, especially if he fought him the way he fought Campbell.

[βetamax]

I was surprised how beaten Campbell looked. I guess a lot of those punches were slipping through his guard.