By Miguel Assuncao

London - Huge upset at the O2 Arena.

Olympic Gold medalist Luke Campbell (12-0-0, 10 KOs) was dropped and beaten on a split-decision by France’s Yvan Mendy (32-4-1, 16 KOs), who claimed the WBC International lightweight title.

In a tight contest, Mendy edged the cards 115-112, 113-115 and 115-113 to inflict a first pro career loss on the Hull southpaw, who was knocked down in the fifth round.

After a cagey opening, Campbell began to let his hands go and landed an eye catching left hook only to be caught with a stiff right hand that temporarily stopped him in his tracks.

The Hull southpaw continued to engage first but Mendy - a former French champion - was content to try and work his was inside to land hooks upstairs.

Mendy’s tactic proved a successful one as he dropped Campbell with a clipping left hand that sent him to the canvas for the first time in his career.

‘Le Lion’ then began to get the best of the exchanges with Campbell’s attacks looking tired and lacking conviction in a number of tough to score rounds.

Mendy landed an impressive right hand that again pushed Campbell back in the 10th round, and a late rally from the British lightweight in the championship rounds proved not to be enough to avoid a surprise defeat.

Miguel Assuncao is a member of Boxing'Scene's UK team. Follow him on Twitter @Migass21