It will be do or die for Birmingham welterweight Frankie Gavin (22-2, 13ko) when he challenges new British and Commonwealth welterweight champion and fellow Brum Sam Eggington (16-2, 9ko) on October 17th at the city’s Barclaycard Arena.
It’s a must win for the former world amateur champion against the young 21 year old up-and-comer, who began his professional career with ambitions to become a journeyman, ostensibly fighting only for the money.
Eggington’s rapid rise up the ranks in recent months culminated in his title winning victory over Glenn Foot last month, and the improvements in his overall game have been evident in those recent performances – although make no mistake that Gavin will far and away be the biggest test of his career.
Former British champ Gavin left promoter Frank Warren at the start of the year believing he was heading to greener pastures, however he has since notched only a routine win over 2nd tier fighter Bogdan Mitic (then 20-6) before being matched against IBF 147 lb champion Kell Brook in a fight he was out hustled, out boxed and stopped inside 6 rounds. In short, he found himself out of his depth against a bigger, stronger fighter.
Following the one sided loss to Brook, Gavin – a small 147 lb fighter – was meant to be dropping down to 140 lb, yet he now again finds himself up against a taller, bigger man in a fight that could literally spell the end for his career at a meaningful level if he loses it.
The momentum at least, is certainly with the champion.
Speaking at today’s announcement, promoter Eddie Hearn said;
“To be honest, I’m still in shock that this fight and this card has come together like this.
“I have to take my hat off to Frankie and Sam. Frankie is straight back in the war zone after his defeat to Kell, and Sam is putting all his hard work on the line at only 21.
“These are the kind of fights that ignite a city and add the local derby of (Matthew) Macklin vs (Jason) Welborn plus Kal Yafai vs. Doncaster’s Jason Cunningham for the British strap, Birmingham has a night on October 17 to get very excited about.”
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