FORMER boxer Luke Campbell has announced he is making a move into politics.
The 37-year-old Olympic hero will run as Reform’s Mayoral candidate in his home town of Hull.
Bantamweight Campbell won Olympic gold for Team GB at London 2012.
He turned pro in July 2013, going on to win 20 of his 24 fights, with 16 by KO.
Reform boss Nigel Farage declared Campbell was a “knockout candidate” as the pair posed for photos before his unveiling.
Campbell was presented to Reform supporters at Hull’s Connexin Live Arena on Thursday.
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The ex-boxer said: “The mayoral role for me isn’t about playing politics.
“It’s about the people of Hull. We can either sit down or stand up.
“We can stand up for our families, we can stand up for our communities and we can stand up for our future.”
Campbell will go up against Conservative Anne Handley, Kerry Harrison for the Greens, Labour’s Margaret Pinder, Mike Ross for the Lib Dems and Yorkshire Party’s Rowan Halstead.
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In a video released alongside his candidacy, Campbell declared it had been an “honour” to represent his country.
He added: “One of the proudest moments in my life was coming home after the Olympics.
“Seeing all the people that turned out for me.
“It was the first time the country came together as one…I will fight for the people of this city.”
The 37-year-old hung up his gloves in 2021 following defeat to Ryan Garcia in Dallas, Texas.
Campbell had been grappling for the vacant WBC interim lightweight title, almost two years after going down to Vasiliy Lomachenko in a world title fight at The O2 Arena.
But he was stopped by King Ry in the seventh, despite a valiant effort Stateside.
Announcing his retirement, Campbell wrote on X: “Every fight, right the way from my debut on 13th June 2013, up to my last on 2nd January 2021, the cheers and messages of encouragement have always been monumental.
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“Throughout my career I’ve tried to test myself against the very best in the industry and never shied away from anyone.
“I’m so grateful this hasn’t gone unnoticed from supporters and I appreciate you all.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
