Sam Eggington plans to leave nothing to chance in shot at redemption

The Stourbridge boxer was on the end of a controversial decision in his last outing, when he lost his IBF International super-welterweight title to Ted Cheeseman in August.

Despite the judges unanimously handing Cheeseman the win, many people felt that Eggington had done enough.

Now, with veteran Theophane in his way, Eggington is adamant he will not leave it to chance.

"I will not be leaving anything to the judges," he told the Express & Star.

"If it goes to the judges, no matter what I do, I probably won't get the nod. It's just that simple.

"The judges know me for being The Savage and I need to be taking someone's head off to be winning anything.

"If I'm not doing that then they automatically score the round against me. It's just what the judges perceive when I get in the ring.

"I won't be leaving anything to them. If I go in there and go wild, have a big war, I'll win.

"If I go in and box well, move my head and use the jab, people think because I'm not having a war I'm not winning. It's that simple.

"I need to stop the fight before the last bell to get a win, that's what I'm going for.

"The last fight definitely gave me that nudge to not leave it to the judges.

"I don't want to go backwards and I don't believe I lost against Ted.

"If I got the decision against him I'd be going into another 10 or 12 round fight so that's what I'm doing now – I'm treating it like I won.

"I genuinely believe I did win. I'm not a moaner and I'm quite happy to say if someone is the better man. I'm not bitter.

"I didn't lose that night and that's how I'm treating it going into another big fight."

Theophane, now aged 40, has had a long and successful career in the sport.

He has fought at world title level in years gone by and despite his pedigree, Eggington insists he can only focus on his own game heading into the bout on December 11.

"To be honest, I don't look at my opponents," he added.

"I'm not being nasty, but I've never watched Ashley box or spar a round in my life.

"I got off what the coaches tell me. I know he's a decent boxer.

"Not a huge mover but he has a good left hook on the counter. A nice jab but nothing out of the ordinary.

"I've always said it. As long as I'm doing my training to the best of my ability, I shouldn't have to worry about what they're going to do.

"I have a game plan and as long as I follow that it should work out well.

"If he brings something different that the coaches aren't seeing, then well done to him, but I doubt that's going to happen.

"I believe I'll be too much for him."

The 27-year-old is still aiming for world title level in his career.

When asked if he's thinking about the future after this fight, he said: "I never plan anything.

"I go by when the phone rings. If it's a good enough fight and the opportunity is there, I'll take it.

"In the last three years I couldn't name a fight that we've planned. The phone rang and we've taken it.

"That's how we're going to keep going because the opportunities are there.

"I should still be the international champion, but what can you do."