Nunn Takes Bruised Rib Into Rematch

LAS VEGAS — It was so ironic.

Here was middleweight Michael Nunn, who had been rarely touched in breezing to a 21-0 record and 13 knockouts, finally finding himself on the receiving end of a damaging blow.

Where? In a sparring match, of all places.

When? Right before his first chance to perform in front of the national media, of all times.

And that’s what Nunn, despite a bruised rib, will do this afternoon when he meets Charles Campbell (17-3-1, 10 knockouts) of Fort Worth, Tex., in a 10-round semi-main event at Caesars Palace.

The rib was bruised two weeks ago during a sparring session at the Ten Goose gym in North Hollywood.

Nunn doesn’t have to prove anything to Campbell. He’s already beaten him once, winning a unanimous eight-round decision over Campbell in this same city a year and a half ago.

But Nunn, ranked seventh by the World Boxing Council and ninth by the World Boxing Assn., would like a title shot in the next year and he has an excellent platform today on which to show his credentials.