Sam Eggington to take on Paulie Malignaggi

Eggington will defend the WBC International welterweight title against the former IBF and WBA boss on Saturday March 4, writes Craig Birch.

They will go toe-to-toe at a sold-out 02 Arena in London, live on Sky Sports Box Office, in support of the crunch clash between bitter rivals Haye and Bellew.

Former British champion Eggington is mandatory challenger for the European title, but believes the scalp of Malignaggi can make waves around the world.

The American veteran, 36, is almost 13 years the junior of his opponent but has boxed at a far higher level during his career.

'The Magic Man' has shared a ring with some of the division's leading lights in Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan, Adrien Broner, Zab Judah, Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia.

Eggington's biggest scalp is a rip-roaring eighth round stoppage of Frankie Gavin in his last contest and he's now set his sights on another career-defining victory.

He said: "This is the big name and big card that I've wanted for some time. I've asked for these sorts of fights for a while, I got Frankie and now I've got Paulie.

"He's going to be the biggest name on my record, you just have to look at what he's won and who he has boxed to see that, but I have asked to fight him for a while now.

"I am confident that I can beat him and beating him is a big scalp on my record. It puts me in that world bracket, which is where i want to be.

"He's good at what he does, he's a bit like Frankie really and fighting him has put me in good stead for this one.

"He's not the biggest puncher and he's smaller than Frankie, but he's won world titles and been in with just about everyone.

"Paulie's been at world-level for so long that he's got all the tricks and probably got more to pull out on the night, so I know it's going to be a big test and it's one that I'm going to rise to.

"This could have been a fight without a title, Paulie is the man I want to beat. That name on my record will make people stand up and take notice and will make a splash in the US, too.

"It's a fantastic Box Office bill and I've never been on a bill of this scale, so it's really exciting for me."

Malignaggi has been working with promoters Matchroom Boxing for over a year and has served as a pundit for their Sky Sports coverage.

His Italian heritage allowed him to box for the European Union crown in 2015, outpointing Antonio Moscatiello on a Matchroom-staged Box Office bill in Manchester.

He's only boxed four times in three years since losing his IBF status to Porter, but believes he will prove himself as levels above his opponent.

Malignaggi said: "I am excited as ever to once again return to the UK and fight in front of the most passionate fans in the world.

"I know Eggington is young and hungry, but I think my experience and craftiness will be too much for him to overcome."

Eddie Hearn, head of Matchroom, has delivered on his promise of a big name for Eggington, after ruling him out of a trip to America to fight Garcia next year.

Hearn said: "What a fight this is and what an opportunity for Sam. Paulie is one of the biggest names and personalities in the sport and still remains full of skill, heart and desire.

"Sam has consistently provided fight fans with entertainment and, after his Fight of the Year contender with Frankie, this is an incredible opportunity to announce himself on the world stage."

All of the tickets for the show, with only the Haye-Bellew bout confirmed at the time, were snapped out in a record-breaking 55 minutes when they went on sale.

Matchroom and the 02 Arena's official ticket resale marketplace, StubHub, have some passes available at www.stubhub.co.uk. Television viewers can purchase the Box Office package.