Sam Eggington: A story straight from the silver screen

What started off as a quick way to earn some money for his young family has fast become a very wise career choice for Sam Eggington.

The Birmingham boxer (19-3) takes on former 2 weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi on March 4th at London’s o2 Arena. As chief support to the much publicised David Haye v Tony Bellew clash, Eggington will be defending his WBC International Welterweight title for the first time since winning it against fellow Brummie Frankie Gavin in a fight of the year contender.

The Eggington story could be something straight off of the silver screen.

A young man, in need of an income walks into a boxing gym four years ago and asks to become a fighter. The man tasked with making that into a reality, Jon Pegg says that even in the early days he could see Eggington’s potential, although even he admits he didn’t dream that it would reach the level that it has.

‘I thought he could win things, but did not expect to have the British, Commonwealth and WBC International belts in the trophy cabinet four years later. He’s chief support on a huge PPV show and I don’t think anyone thought that Sam would be achieving that.’

In those early days, when titles were a distant dream Eggington suffered his first defeat at the hands of Welshman Dale Evans, a defeat that would eventually be avenged in a British title fight, but Evans feels that the improvement in Eggington is clear for all to see.

‘When we first met, it was 4 years ago in the Prizefighter tournament and he was starting out. Sam was a boy back then. He’s matured into a man now, grown in strength and technically is a lot better than when he started out.

He’s been guided very well and beaten some good opposition. Sam has been promoted well, shone when it mattered on the big stage and achieved more than I could have dreamed of, I wish him all the best.’

The influence of promoters Barry and Eddie Hearn is something that both Eggington and his team also place in high regard.

Louie Counihan, Eggington’s pad man says that the changes in ambitions for Eggington’s career kicked in once Barry Hearn took an interest in the Birmingham fighter.

‘Once someone like that becomes involved with you, your ambitions have to rise and he provided the opportunities for us to take.’

Eggington echoes this sentiment, recalling the time that Barry Hearn took him to Las Vegas upon signing with Matchroom as the time that he realised that the time had come to take things up a notch.

But what of the Sam Eggington that will take to the ring on March 4th? What messages are being relayed in camp?

‘He must do everything he did against Gavin, plus 25% more. The most important thing on the night is for Sam to listen. Paulie is still a very tricky operator so it’s important Sam is not too eager and follows the game plan from round 1. We won’t be seeing the freshest Paulie Malignaggi that we have ever seen but his experience and slickness is still very much there.’ Counihan, who confesses to being a huge fan of the American, explains.

‘Sam beats Paulie by being himself; rough, uncompromising and ready to go the extra mile in a hard fight. Sam’s skills are underrated because he is so good in a dog fight but look at the Glenn Foot and Denton Vassell fights’ is how head coach Pegg sees it.

Eggington who says that he doesn’t think about who is put in front of him until Hearn and Pegg put a fight on says that he now possess genuine fitness after a lot of hard work over the years, agrees with the message from camp.

‘I just think I’ve got to go hard and relentless and take away his skills and experience by turning it into my kind of fight.’

Once the contest with Paulie Malignaggi is out of the way, what twists and turns will this blockbuster of a career be taking?

‘The European title first. I really want to win that belt, then I’ll take whatever comes.’ Eggington says, with his coach Pegg agreeing.

‘Sam is mandatory for the European title v Cerefino Rodrigues so that on the Birmingham May show would be perfect.’

And what if the Sam Eggington story did in fact make it to the silver screen? Who would be the key players?

Pegg isn’t sure on who would play him, but does have a very clear criteria

‘Oh I don’t know- Jack Black, Ricky Gervais, Joe Pesci? Anyone tall, handsome and fit basically!’

Whereas Eggington is the opposite in knowing exactly who would portray him.

‘Kevin Hart, or I’m not allowing the film to be made!’

The Boxing Banter would like to express a huge thank you to Sam Eggington and his team, Jon Pegg, Louie Counihan and everyone at Eastside gym in Birmingham. We’d also like to thank Dale Evans, for taking the time to speak to us.

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