Wednesday 20 September 2017 14:56, UK
Tommy Coyle wants to see Luke Campell give boxing in Hull a massive boost by bringing a world title home.
'Boom Boom' will be rooting for former foe Campbell when he challengers three-weight world champion Jorge Linares for his WBA lightweight title in Inglewood, California, in the early hours of Sunday morning, live on Sky Sports.
Hull's Coyle lost to his bitter local rival in August 2015 and although he admits he can't see 'Cool Hand' upsetting the odds and winning the world title, he will still be rooting for the Olympic gold medalist.
"I would love to see him win the world title," Coyle exclusively told Sky Sports.
"Not only does it do unbelievable things for boxing in Hull and brings big fights back to the city.
"If he does win I am sure he will defend his world title back here and hopefully gives me a slot on the undercard, but the kid deserves it.
"He is a gold medalist and he is extremely talented but whether he can do it or not, is a completely different question."
Former gym-mates Coyle and Campbell fell out in the build-up to their hometown scrap two years ago, after growing up and boxing together on Humberside.
Coyle, who returns to the ring in October after eight months out, admits the best man won when they met at Craven Park, but buried the hatchet and even sparred with Campbell before the underdog travelled out to America.
"We travelled the world as amatuers, we worked together, we were skint together and I just thought before the fight he
mugged me off," Coyle said.
"He was a bit disrespectful. He got my back up and I gave him a few choice words. But after the fight I texted him, just saying 'the fight is done, the best man won, let's squash any differences we might have had, lets go for breakfast'.
"We did just that and I had to pay because he's always been tight, but he is a friend again.
"I sparred him a few weeks ago before he flew out to America to complete his training camp, so I am a friend of his. We're not close friends but I certainly have a level of respect for him.
"I hope he can do it but I can't see anything past Linares winning."
Watch Luke Campbell challenge Jorge Linares for the WBA lightweight title, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports from 3am on Sunday.
