You aren’t going to win over everyone you meet in your life and this is a fact that former Lightweight champion Nate Campbell knows all too well. Ever since he can remember Campbell has been brazen and brash towards all things pertaining to his life and he has the type of personality you seem to either hate or love. Campbell ended up taking that same demeanor with him as he climbed through the professional ranks and along the way he’s garnered his share of fans and detractors alike.
Whether in the gym, at a cookout in his Jacksonville house, or running errands at the local Flea Market, Campbell constantly talks boxing with whoever he crosses paths with. Whether it is fighters from the old school era, modern day champions, or future opponents, the man nicknamed ‘Galaxxy Warrior’ is one of the harshest critics that you will find in the game when it comes to his fellow pugilists.
If Campbell sees a flaw or weakness in a boxer he will be the first to point it out and in an odd way it shows just how wrapped up he is into the sport he loves most. Still, one fighter in recent times who Campbell is quick to give his respect to is WBO champion Miguel Cotto, who defends his belt against Manny Pacquiao this coming November 14th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“I’ve always liked Miguel Cotto as a fighter,” Campbell recently said as he took some time off at his Jacksonville, Florida home. “Always had great respect and admiration for him. There aren’t many fighters who I can say that about, but Miguel Cotto is one.”
When pressed further for why he feels that way about Cotto, Campbell interestingly pointed out that there is nothing striking about Cotto. Instead he can appreciate the little things that The Puerto Rican brings to the table.
“As a fighter there isn’t much you can say against him,” says Campbell. “I heard a guy say that we often times overlook the most simple qualities in fighters. Everything about Miguel’s style is simple and underrated. He’s a workmanlike fighter and I love those kind of guys.”
While odds makers, fans, and industry insiders seem to be pointing to Pacquiao’s speed and relentless attack to carry the day, Campbell himself doesn’t subscribe to the theory. If anything, the 37 year old Jr. Welterweight contender sees things completely the opposite.
“I think if Miguel Cotto comes to fight then it’s a no-brainer.”
That is quite the statement considering the roll that Pacquiao has been on as of late. Campbell, however, feels that recent Pacquiao victims Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton weren’t close to their peak when they faced off with the Filipino fighter and wasn’t as star struck as others by Manny’s performances. In looking at what Cotto brings to the table, Campbell is quick to point out what a fellow former champion had to say on the matter.
“I was talking to Paulie Malignaggi the other night for a good 45 minutes and we started talking about that fight,” Campbell continues. “Paulie told me straight up that Cotto can really punch. He went as far as to call Cotto a devastating puncher.”
Cotto can certainly do some damage and Campbell feels that his power is going to be a huge factor in the fight. Campbell also feels that the only way Cotto can feel 100% confident in a victory is if he ends matters before the final bell.
“We know that if the fight goes the distance they are likely to give it to Pacquiao and I think Cotto knows that too.”
After defeating Juan Diaz in March of last year Campbell picked up the IBF, WBA, and WBO belts, and eyed all of his options. Three months later Pacquiao throttled David Diaz to claim the WBC strap and Campbell made his desires known regarding a showdown with the Filipino.
Campbell did anything he could to draw attention to the bout, even going on message boards online and stating that he was the superior fighter. In return Campbell was met with a stream of rebuttal, hate, and criticism. The paths of the two men moved in separate directions but Campbell still remembers that time clearly as he speaks with a slightly bitter taste in his voice.
“You aren’t allowed to say anything that people perceive as derogatory in America anymore,” Campbell says of his online proclamations regarding a fight with Pacquiao. “I’m sorry but I just didn’t agree with the status quo. I have a right to make a statement that I believed I was the better fighter and I still have that right.”
Currently Campbell is going through his own battle with Promoter Don King and figures to be out until at least May. In the meantime he is eyeing the boxing landscape and will surely have a vested interest when Cotto and Pacquiao square off. Speaking bluntly, Campbell offers up a simple prediction for the future.
“After this fight is done with I think a lot of people are going to have to take notice to Miguel Cotto all over again.”
