OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Classy Campbell takes gold against Nevin

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By Sean-Paul Doran, Sportsbeat, London 2012

LUKE Campbell became Great Britain's first gold medal-winning men's boxer as he narrowly defeated Ireland's John Joe Nevin in the London 2012 bantamweight final.

CHAMPION: Hull's Luke Campbell was a deserved winner over Ireland's John Joe Nevin and took Britain's 28th gold of the Games

The ExCel was the stage for the first ever Olympic final to feature an Irish boxer against a British boxer and it was difficult to determine who the home representative was, such was the support for both.

The former European champion sailed through his semi-final clash against Japan's Satoshi Shimizu with a convincing 20-11 win at the ExCel to earn the right to fight for gold.

With both boxers having faced each other twice before and won one each, it was always likely to be an even bout but it was Hull-born Campbell who took the first round 5-3.

But Nevin came back stronger as he edged a tense second round to take the scores to 9-8 in favour of the Brit and set up a nervous conclusion.

And the Irishman was forced to take a count in the final round as Campbell continued his fine display to secure the 14-11 win in style to take Team GB's 27th gold of London 2012.

© Sportsbeat 2012