OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Campbell realises lifetime dream with medal

By Sportsbeat staff, London 2012

GREAT Britain men's boxer Luke Campbell believes that guaranteeing a medal is just reward for the blood, sweat and tears to make the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Hull-born bantamweight beat Detelin Dalakliev, from Ukraine, 16-15, losing the first round 3-5 before winning 5-5, 8-6 in a contest that sounded closer than it was, with Campbell looking comfortable throughout.

And now the 24-year-old will be guaranteed a bronze medal at the Games but he paid tribute to his opponent at the ExCel.

BRONZED: Hull fighter Luke Campbell will be guaranteed a medal after beating Ukraine's Detelin Dalakliev in the boxing

"I dreamed all my life for this, just for one moment," said Campbell.

"Getting a medal means everything to me - all my sacrifices, all the sweat will be paid off.

"The crowd is fantastic. I have never felt anything like this or seen anything like this.

"The opponent was very tough and one of the best kids I have beaten.

"I don't know what was going through my mind in the third round, I just knew I had to come back to the ring and adapt. I just had to give everything I had and it was very nerve-racking."

Heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis, who won gold for Canada at super-heavyweight level at Seoul in 1988, believes Campbell has improved fight-by-fight.

He said: "Luke was pretty shaky in his first fight but I am glad his second fight was better.

"You have to shake the cobwebs out - you don't want to give too much energy but you have to keep it going and Luke did a great job.

"This is where boxing starts - when I came to the Olympics no-one really knew me, I was anonymous and then when you win you are a wanted man."

© Sportsbeat 2012