Sam Eggington eager to live up to top billing in title defence

Promoter Eddie Hearn is holding four 'Fight Camp' cards in an outside arena at Matchroom's HQ in Brentwood, Essex throughout August, as the company returns to fighting action.

The first of those events comes tonight, when Stourbridge's Eggington defends his IBF International super–welterweight title as the show's main event and the 26–year–old, who is on a four–fight winning streak, insists he is in his best shape for the bout.

"Everything has been great in camp in all honesty," he told the Express & Star.

"Lockdown was more of a time to relax and do my own training.

"I went back to the gym half fit and at a good weight and as soon as the fight came up, it was the last weeks of lockdown and we were able to plan everything for camp.

"It's gone from there and been great, I can't moan, everything couldn't be going better for me, really.

"Maybe I could have had a small fight beforehand, but everyone has been off, it's not just me.

"Everyone will tell you, they want to box regularly, so I can't moan, everything has been great.

"Camp has been fine, sparring has gone well and I can't complain. I believe I'll do the job tonight."

His opponent Cheeseman is a former British super–welterweight title holder who has hit a stumbling block in his career, losing two of his last three fights and drawing the other.

Despite that, Eggington believes Cheeseman's winless streak is irrelevant and that he must be at his best to come away with the win.

"I've been that kid, the one coming off a bad loss and people think it's all done and over," Eggington added.

"Some people think you're an easy target and they'll blast you out, I've been that guy.

"When they sent me the list of opponents, the reason I picked Ted is because he's done something of note, he's won a British title.

"I don't think he'll come out and try and put it on me, it'll be meat and drink all night for me – I'd take that in a heartbeat.

"I think he'll come out like he did against Scott Fitzgerald, box and move as much as he can until it fails and then go back to fighting."

Eggington is one of several Black Country and Birmingham fighters who are representing the region over the four-week Fight Camp events.

Although the bouts are outside, with Covid–19 restrictions and without fans, 'The Savage' is not letting it affect him as he prepares to bring more 'recognition' to the West Midlands.

"It's good for the West Midlands, we're getting some recognition and getting on the big bills which is good," Eggington said.

"It's something to be a part of. As soon as I heard of this Fight Camp back garden boxing, I rang my manager and said I wanted to be involved, I'm all over it.

"To be topping the first one, I'm over the moon with that and I'm eager to put on a good show.

"It's a cliche but when you're boxing you get that tunnel vision that everyone talks about.

"Whether there is people there, whether it's inside or outside, you're having a fight.

"If you're in an empty room and someone is trying to beat you up, you'll do as much to win that fight as you will if 200 people are watching.

"It won't be a big deal for us."