BOXING magnate Eddie Hearn says Luke Campbell is showing all the signs he's ready to handle the pressure of the 'hurt business.'
Hearn, who controls the Matchroom Boxing empire which Campbell is signed to, is currently putting the finishing touches to the huge outdoor stadium show at MS3 Craven Park on July 13.
While Hearn is taking care of the promotional aspects, Campbell is fulfilling his promise to make his mark in the pro game by taking his training both around the country and to New York as he steps up his preparations.
Comparing Campbell to Matchroom's marquee boxer, Carl Froch, Hearn believes the 25-year-old Olympic champion has the necessary skills, both inside and outside the ring, to be a big success.
"The great thing about Luke Campbell is he has the desire and the talent, but even better than that he has the intelligence to adapt and learn," Hearn told the Mail.
"He's so intelligent as a person and as a fighter that he can adapt his style. Luke reminds me of Carl Froch.
"Luke lost his first two amateur fights by stoppage, Froch was the same. But Carl worked so hard and Luke has done the same to become unbeatable as an amateur.
"Now he can take that into the pros like Carl did. This is a whole new game, they don't call it the hurt business for nothing. People are fighting for their living, that is the difference for Luke now."
Unlike most professionals who make their debuts in small hall shows with little or no fanfare, Campbell will step out as a pro in a six-round contest in front of an anticipated 15,000 people and many more watching at home on television.
The gold medallist, who this week collected his MBE from the Queen, tops a bill that is growing by the week.
Already confirmed are British boxing superstars Kell Brook and Lee Selby, joining Tommy Coyle in his Commonwealth title fight against Derry Mathews.
With the likes of Curtis Woodhouse, Rocky Fielding and local boxers Joel Haigh, Zak Collins and Samir Mouneimne on the bill, the show is growing to be one of the biggest staged anywhere in the UK this year. It is a privileged beginning for Campbell, who Hearn admits has earned the advantages a gold medal bring.
But, unlike many who follow the same path, Hearn believes Campbell is better equipped to handle the pressures of fame.
"A lot of gold medallists have suffered in the past from having a beneficial start, but the beauty of Luke is his feet are firmly on the ground," adds Hearn.
"The only thing that appeals to Luke is being a normal working class kid who fulfills his dreams. He's fulfilled one and now he's chasing his next dream.
"When I initially sat down with the city councillors in Hull, they told me he's like a god in Hull. What's great to see though is how grounded he is.
"Luke doesn't swan around the city like a footballer. He's down to earth, he loves Hull, he loves the people and it is in Hull where he wants to build his career.
"Luke is a role model for Great Britain to get behind, he's had a tough up-bringing and he's got somewhere by working hard. He can inspire kids all across the country."
