Street fighter Winston Campos to show true grit against Josh Taylor

Josh Taylor and Winston Campos have words ahead of tomorrow nights bout at the SSE Hydro

The 25-year-old has touched down in Scotland following former challenger Humberto Soto’s call-off last week after the Mexican suffered a nasty cut whilst sparring. That has paved the way for Campos to enter the ring instead to face undefeated Taylor tomorrow night in Glasgow.

Despite the short notice, Campos (30-3-5), who has only fought twice outwith his native country, is confident his streetwise past can see him inflict a first defeat on the ‘Tartan Tornado’.

“I didn’t have an easy life as a kid. It’s the same for a lot of people in Nicaragua,” Campos said. “There’s not much money around and it’s a tough upbringing. It’s difficult to make your way in sport as well. You have to fight every step of the way and a boxer’s life is even tougher. There are a lot of fighters because boxing is a way to making a better life. It makes you very competitive.

“I have no fears fighting in Glasgow. Everyone tells me there is going to be a huge crowd and a great atmosphere. But it won’t bother me. I went to Chilpancingo in Mexico to fight Edgar Puerta and it was crazy. There were 4000 Mexicans who were screaming against me. I didn’t care. I used it as a motivation.

“I think there will be an even bigger atmosphere in Glasgow. The Scottish fans will think they will have a party with Taylor. They probably don’t know much about me or expect me to win. But I will win over their respect in the ring by beating their man.

“I’ll spoil the party but they will be happy to see a great fight. I am going to show Taylor and the Scottish people what Nicaraguans are like. We are tough. We like to fight. We refuse to be beaten.”

Campos appreciates victory over Taylor, who is tipped to win a world title later this year, would put himself back in the shop window again.

“I am coming to Scotland to win. It’s no problem for me to come here at short notice,” Campos said. “I was preparing for a fight against a southpaw in Nicaragua but they pulled out around about the same time. Sometimes it is fate how things work out because this is now a huge opportunity for me. I didn’t have to think twice about coming all the way to Scotland.

“I said ‘yes’ immediately and I am here to make the most of this chance. I am very motivated and I am not going to waste this opportunity.

“I have fought against many southpaws in my career so I know what to expect from Taylor. I have watched the videos and I know he is a very good fighter. But this is my chance to step up to world level and I am going to take it.”

Despite the wintry conditions that have already wiped out so many sporting events across the country this weekend, Cyclone Promotions director and Taylor’s manager, Barry McGuigan, is predicting quite a spectacle tomorrow night.

“We might be the only major event taking place in the UK this weekend – but people are in for a treat,” he said. “Josh is in great shape and he’s up against a terrific fighter. Winston is 25-year-old and he’s got a lot of experience. It will be a tough test for Taylor.”