(By Peter Wells)
It is amazing how just 12 months can alter one’s perception of a fight. This time last year, Sam Eggington was on fire, while Frankie Gavin was fresh off a tough stoppage defeat.
Where: Barclays Arena, Birmingham, UK.
When: Saturday October 22nd, 2016.
Time: Coverage gets underway at 8pm, BST.
TV Channel: Sky Sports 2
Live Stream Info: Sky Go for Sky customers in the UK and Ireland
Preview
But now Eggington’s momentum was momentarily brought to a halt in dominant fashion. Bradley Skeete – who lost in 2014 to Gavin – schooled the aggressive Eggington for a points win.
The manner of the loss now leads most in the game to believe that the ‘Battle of Brum’ will follow a far too similar pattern, in which the far more skilled Gavin 23-2(14KO’s) will box the ears off of Eggington 18-3(10KO’s).
A duo of defeats in the Prizefighter tournament only enhanced the reputation of Eggington as an attraction on Sky Sports. A run then ensued, starting with a stunning stoppage win over Denton Vassell (TKO 8) – a fighter that arguably has never recovered from the broken jaw he suffered at the hands of Gavin.
Wins over Shayne Singleton (TKO 5), Joseph Lamptey (TKO 7), Glenn Foot (TD 8) and Dale Evans (UD 12), won the Birmingham fighter a great reputation at British level, as well as the Commonwealth and British Welterweight titles that Skeete stripped him of in March of this year.
This weekend is for local bragging rights – credit Matchroom Boxing YouTube:
Gavin’s career was heading in a similar upward direction, before he was upset by European king, Leonard Bundu (L SD 12).
A victory later that year over Bradley Skeete (UD 12) proved he was still a quality operator on the British scene, but he was found wanting in a world championship contest with Kell Brook (L TKO 6).
But while Gavin may not be world class, he does ooze nothing but class when inside the ring. His slick boxing, and fast hands often wear opponents down mentally as much as physically.
However, even under such torment against Skeete, Eggington never cracked, and even had success as the fight hit the middle rounds. But Sam’s lack of defence was exposed, and Gavin looks to exploit that fault again just 7 months later.
Prediction
For all the quality, eye-catching work from Gavin, Eggington will remain in front of him all night.
That will be both a good and a bad thing for the favoured Gavin, as he will never need to go looking for his opportunities, but he will also know that Eggington will be ready to pounce once any small opportunity arises.
If Eggington is able to score flush, and hurt Gavin, then he is unlikely to hold out on his assault in pursuit of a stoppage. But Gavin has been hurt numerous times, and knows full well how to ride it out – at this sort of level at least anyway.
Even though Eggington will have experienced this sort of boxing style before, it will not make it any easier to deal with. The feeling is that boxers like Skeete or Gavin just have Eggington’s number.
‘Savage’ will have his moments, but Gavin will use all his experience to steer clear of danger when it looms.
It won’t be comfortable, but Gavin will be well ahead on the scorecards when they are read out after 12 rounds of action, that will be propelled by a fantastic atmosphere around the Barclaycard Arena.
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