LUKE Campbell and his new promoters have pledged to put Hull firmly on the map in big-time boxing when the Olympic champion makes his professional debut in July.
Campbell will be the man all want to see when stepping into the ring, either at the KC Stadium or Craven Park, for his first bout in the Matchroom stable.
The 25-year-old gold medallist will make his professional debut in a six-round contest on either July 6 or 13 in a show promoter Eddie Hearn promises will be like nothing seen before in the city.
And with another of Hull's rising stars, Tommy Coyle, fighting former British champion Derry Matthews for the Commonwealth title, Hearn is confident a whole new audience will be drawn to the sport.
"I want to build something in Hull with other local fighters as well so that makes it a great night for boxing," Hearn told the Mail.
"I'm really excited having Luke on board, but it isn't just exciting for us or for Luke, it is exciting for British boxing.
"I don't think there has been a crossover star like this who is capable of attracting that diverse audience."
Hearn is keen to ensure the biggest night in boxing the city has ever seen leaves a lasting impression from which to build, and with that in mind he revealed moves have already been made to include former British and WBO Inter-continental welterweight champion Kell Brook on the card.
An offer was also made to Hull featherweight Samir Mouneimne to fight Lee Selby, and although that offer was rejected, Mouneimne will get his time on centre stage in another contest yet to be confirmed.
"We will get a real diverse audience at the show, but we need to make sure that when they come they have such a great night they want to come to boxing again, not just to Luke Campbell's fights, but other fights," Hearn added.
"That is how we will grow audiences and boxing. Tommy against Derry is going to be a really good fight. I watched Tommy box on Saturday and he is really improving.
"He's strong and is punching really hard. Derry is a very good fighter also, he's beaten Anthony Crolla once and I thought he won the last fight between the two."
For Campbell, helping to give Hull further national profile, whilst hopefully starting his professional career with a bang, is the aim
"This is a chance for Hull to make history and hopefully we will showcase what a great city we have," said Campbell.
"I'm expecting tickets will fly out and what I want to do is give something back for that support.
"I'm planning on making myself available the day after the fight to meet as many people as I can, get pictures with them and have a chat. "If they are coming to invest to watch me then I feel like I have to give something back to them, not just in a great performance. I want to make sure I am there for the fans, like they are for me."
Hearn will spell out his vision again today when he and Campbell hold a public press conference at Hull City Hall, and look to push on with confirmation of the venue.
"A lot of people want the fight at the KC Stadium, while Craven Park are desperate to hold it," he said.
"We spoke to the people at the KC and they said they couldn't because they want to re-lay the pitch.
"Then Mr Allam came on board and said he wants to do it. I think the favourite is Craven Park at present though."
