Nate Campbell Grinding for Ali Funeka

With less than three weeks to go towards his clash with mandatory contender Ali Funeka, Unified Lightweight Champion Nate Campbell is less vocal than usual but still extremely motivated to defend his Lightweight belts.

Campbell has been sparring at Contender's Gym in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, under the tutelage of head trainer John David Jackson. Campbell's chief sparring partners have been battle tested journeyman Hicklet Lau and Jr. Welterweight prospect Angino Perez.

Both men have given Campbell rigorous work and the Jacksonville native is strong and sharp as he gets ready to tangle with the 6'1 South African Funeka.

At a recent press conference to kick off the February 14th card, Campbell had some choice words for his opponent, saying, among other things, that Funeka was making a mistake by not giving him enough credit. Campbell also claimed that it was going to 'border on criminal' what he is going to do to Funeka when they are in the ring together.

Campbell's trainer John David Jackson, one of the most laid back individuals you will ever come across, got surprisingly opinionated during his time on the microphone as well. Jackson claimed that he had much respect for Campbell because he knows exactly what is needed in order to defend his place as the world's best Lightweight and that they are 'grinding everyday' in the gym to get ready. The calm and collected Jackson also mentioned that Funeka is in for a surprise come Valentine's Night.

Photos by Chris Robinson