WINSTON Campos, the Nicaraguan charged with ending Josh Taylor's unbeaten run, yesterday cheekily vowed to have all the fun of the fair at Glasgow's Hydro Arena tomorrow evening.
Campos, 60 places bellow Taylor in the world rankings at 65th, is not expected to cause the 27-year-old WBC Silver super-lightweight champion from Prestonpans undue problems after being drafted in as a late replacement for injured Mexican Humberto Soto.
But the challenger does not see it that way after risking incurring Taylor's displeasure at yesterday's head-to-head when he got a little too close to his opponent during a photo session.
"I don't know if he was trying to smell me or kiss me, but he just about received a welcome to Scotland by Glasgow kiss," Taylor declared while sporting a mischievous grin.
Campos certainly talks a good game, though whether he is capable of delivering an upset is another matter altogether, given that Taylor has hardly put a foot wrong since joining Barry McGuigan's stable in the wake of his Glasgow 2014 gold medal triumph.
"I have no fears about fighting in Glasgow," he declared through an interpreter. "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 in 2012 and it was crazy. There were 4000 Mexicans screaming against me but I didn't care. I used it as motivation."
It just so happens that Campos was stopped by Puerto – one of three defeats on his 38-fight record that also includes five drawn contests.
But that loss notwithstanding, he insisted: "Although there will be an even bigger atmosphere in Glasgow, it will be like a funfair and the Scottish fans will think they are going to have a party with Taylor.
"They probably don't know much about me or expect me to win. But I will earn their respect 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 – and we refuse to be beaten.
"I didn't have an easy life as a kid and it's the same for a lot of people in Nicaragua. 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. But boxing is a way to make a better life and that makes you very competitive."
Campos is adamant that taking the fight at just seven days notice will not pose him a problem either.
He explained: "I was preparing for a fight against a southpaw in Nicaragua but he pulled out about the same time.
"Sometimes it is fate when things work out that way because this is a huge opportunity for me and I didn't have to think twice about coming all the way to Scotland.
"Now that I am here, I am not going to waste this opportunity. I am very motivated and I'll make the most of this chance. I am here to win.
"I have fought many southpaws so I know what to expect from Taylor. I know he is a very good fighter, but this is my chance to step up to world level."
With the sporting calendar in danger of decimation due to the weather, McGuigan pointed out: "We might be the only major event taking place in the UK this weekend and people are in for a treat.
"Josh is in great shape and he is up against a terrific fighter. Campos has got a lot of experience and it will be a tough test for Taylor."
McGuigan also revealed that the sport's traditional ten bells will be sounded at the Hydro in memory of light heavyweight Scott Westgarth who died at the weekend following a bout in Doncaster.
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