By Shaun Brown

Craven Park Stadium, Hull, Yorkshire - In front of a reported 15,000 fans Luke Campbell (12-0, 10 KOs) took bragging rights in the Battle of Hull against fellow local lad Tommy Coyle (21-3, 10 KOs).

East met West and it was the West who triumphed after the 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist's superior boxing skills overcame a fantastically brave opponent in Coyle.

In what was billed as a WBC world lightweight eliminator, it was more about bragging rights and the opportunity for Campbell to show that he’s ready to be moved on to bigger things.

As early as round two, Coyle found himself on the canvas after what is fast becoming a trademark left uppercut to the body from Campbell. Coyle, undeterred, got himself back to his feet and beckoned Campbell on as he so often did during the fight.

Campbell’s skill set was joyous to watch at times and Coyle and his trainer Jamie Moore showed honesty in their gameplan by not attempting to match that but to simply try and rough up the 27-year-old starlet. A tactic that at times forced referee Victor Loughlin to warn Coyle at times for excessive roughness.

As Coyle rained in with pressure, which at times was reckless abandonment, Campbell was able to move out of harm’s way picking his man off. But as the fight wore on – Campbell going past eight rounds for the first time in his pro career – Coyle kept throwing shots to any part of the Olympian’s anatomy.

In the end the accumulation, consistency and accuracy of Campbell’s shots proved too much for his local rival as he succumbed to pressure after three more knockdowns in the 10th round which showed Campbell’s relentlessness and thirst to finish off a man that refused to quit.

“It was a fantastic fight,” said Campbell afterwards. “What a tough man he [Coyle] is. I hit Tommy with some cracking shots. I hope we gave the fans a fantastic fight. I want to aim for the top, I had some fantastic rounds in there.

“Tommy’s a great fighter. I knew I couldn’t go in there and rush or I’d blow a gasket. He’s fit and strong and knows what he’s doing inside the ring.”

An admirably honest Coyle said: “The world’s going to appreciate him [Campbel] he’s a special talent. I came in to the ring tonight confident I could upset the odds. He’s too smart. I’m a domestic fighter at best."

“Hull should be very, very proud of both of them,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.

“Luke has shown he’s a world class fighter. He’s sensational. He’s [Coyle] a bit harsh on himself saying he’s a domestic fighter. The plan is more major events in Hull.”