Campbell edges to win

Campbell admitted the experience of fighting in front of a raucous, 10,000 capacity crowd – including Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield – contributed to his Olympic debut being a little too close for comfort.

The 24-year-old world silver medallist and former European champion was made to wait for his debut after receiving a bye through the first round.

He entered the fray last night and eventually prevailed 11-9 on points after three, three-minute rounds against Italy’s Jahyn Parrinello.

Campbell said: “It’s my first fight so hopefully it gets better as it goes along. I kept it tidy and kept popping him down the middle.

“It wasn’t my best performance but it was my first fight and my nerves were going.

“I always tell myself that I won’t put pressure on myself and I’ll enjoy the occasion, but you can’t get away from the pressure – it’s there.

“I was trying to keep my cool and listen to the coaches and stick to the tactics.

“This is the biggest experience of my life. I have worked my life to get here.

“It is just about trying to keep calm but now I have got the first one out the way hopefully I will get better throughout the tournament.”