Nick Campbell: From pro rugby to Scottish overweight? | Boxing news

Can Nick Campbell successfully turn a sport from rugby to boxing? Former team player Gerwyn Price has become a world champion! Campbell’s gaze on Britain’s overweight belt approaches his first visit …

Nick Campbell and Anthony Joshua via @ nickacampbell1 Instagram

Nick Campbell has left his professional rugby career to become a boxer – and has set his sights on becoming Scotland’s first British overweight champion …

You’ve become obsessed with boxing…

I played eight years of professional rugby with the Glasgow Warriors and Jersey Reds. I started rugby when I was nine. I made a box when I was younger but rugby was gone.

I came to the end of a contract, got an offer or two on the table, but decided to give up rugby and try boxing. He was always committed.

Nick Campbell works for Glasgow

Did you hit the sack-punch while you were a rugby player?

I used to get fined with the physios because I would go to a local boxing gym and hit the pads that didn’t follow our recovery protocols!

Did you get into scratches on the rugby field?

There are people who are enforcers – you could say that’s me! Rare, slightly rough and diving tricks…

I like the physical side of the game and would love to get involved if there is any disagreement.

You had a short but good amateur boxing career…

My goal was just to win the Scottish competition. I joined the Scottish elite squad. I was exposed to some of the best training at a non-professional level. I went to Sheffield and encouraged Team GB boys.

I was always at the very end, learning the hard way. My rugby years have taught me to deal with that.

Has anyone been critical of your decision to change sports?

I’ve had a lot of comments say: ‘You’re crazy – what gives you the right?’

I don’t want to be a gimmick. I had always applied myself and trained hard.

I am not here to be a scene. I am here to prove a point.

I’ll introduce people to boxing who weren’t interested in that sport.

I want to challenge for things, I want to fight at the highest level.

Gerwyn Price moved from rugby to darts

Can your experience as an elite boxing athlete help?

Gerwyn Price was on loan in Glasgow when I was there, and is now a world champion of darts!

There is so much to do with sports – discipline, getting up early in the morning, recovering, repositioning, doing the things that are not fun, the things that people do not see.

There are so many things I can take from rugby and put into boxing.

Scotland’s Gary Cornish lasted just 96 seconds against Anthony Joshua

What can we expect from you inside the ring?

I’m 6’7 ” and 18 stone – if I didn’t use those physical attributes, I’d be crazy.

I want to get behind my kick, take the middle of the ring, I am in good shape and proud of how fit I am.

Some have no respect for depression but some can’t fix it themselves.

I like to think, if I get the chance, I can put people out of there. I want beaters, to inspire people.

Former footballer Curtis Woodhouse became a British hero

What are the goals for your boxing career?

Britain has never had an overweight British champion. If you are turning professional then that is what you need to aim for.

People were laughing [former Premier League footballer] Curtis Woodhouse but became a British hero. Why should it be any different for me?

A challenge for a British title would be a remarkable achievement. The last Scot to play was Gary Cornish who was beaten by Sam Sexton.

I understand the extent of those fights – Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce were finally vying for it. I am speechless. I am willing to sacrifice, dig down, work a lot to get there.