Campbell wears down Connelly to record third successive stoppage in Hull

By Martin Domin for MailOnline

Published: 17:48 EST, 2 November 2013 | Updated: 21:33 EST, 2 November 2013

Luke Campbell passed his toughest test as a professional with flying colours on Saturday night as the Olympic champion showed his class to stop Lee Connelly in the fifth round.

Campbell had spent less than four minutes in the ring since leaving the amateur ranks and had hoped for a stern examination in his hometown of Hull.

And he was given just that as Connelly refused to give up before the referee intervened.

Going strong: Luke Campbell (left) celebrates his win over Lee Connelly in Hull on Saturday night

The 26-year-old had lost five of his previous seven fights but had never been stopped and showed he was not afraid to come forward in the opening round. As he did, however, Campbell picked him off with sharp and spiteful punches.

And the southpaw upped the ante in the second round, peppering Connelly with both hands while displaying the impressive footwork and ring craft that helped him win gold last year.

Connelly was struggling to close the distance and as a result, was failing to land clean.

Out of reach: Campbell's footwork kept him out of range of the game Connelly who kept coming forward

But in a show of defiance, he dropped his hands and shook his head after another relentless barrage in the fourth session.

As admirable as Connelly’s approach was, Campbell was a class above and after yet another accurate flurry in the penultimate round, the referee stepped in.

'What a tough guy he is, he’s a little warrior,' Campbell told Sky Sports. 'I just couldn’t crack him.

Under pressure: Campbell gradually wore Connelly down until the referee stepped in to end the fight

'It was a great fight, exactly what I needed. It’s only my third fight and I’m learning every time.

'Every time I thought I hurt him, he came back. The referee definitely made the right decision.'

Campbell will return to ring on the undercard of Carl Froch’s world title fight with George Groves in Manchester on November 23.