Gala night to honour true gladiator Sam

Sam Eggington….warriors like him come round once in a blue moon

IF ever a fighter deserved a testimonial, it’s warrior Sam Eggington who hung up his gloves after that epic 10th round loss to Conah Walker.

It was the perfect sign-off contest for Stourbridge’s former British, European and world champ: a pulsating, fight of the year contender.

I applaud promoter Scott Murray for staging a tribute evening for the 32-year-old, with all profits going to the boxer. After giving so much in a thrilling 46 bout career, Eggington deserves the accolades.

The event takes place at Scott’s Premier Suite, Cannock, venue on August 14. There’ll be a raft of champs present to praise The Savage.

Manager Jon Pegg has candidly admitted he’s unlikely to find another boxer like Eggington who was a real “blood and guts” throwback gladiator.

“It’s his complete fearlessness,” said Pegg. “Mix that with his natural fighting ability, immense toughness and loyalty. You can’t do what Sam did without a few setbacks. Today, fighters want to change things (their team) after a few losses even though those losses were no one’s fault.

“Not many have had nine losses and produced the fight he did (against Walker). When you see Sam up close, he is so much more skilful than given credit for.”

Pegg admits that, after a career spanning 14 years, it’ll be hard for Sam to walk away, but has no doubt the light-middle will stick to his guns.

“I think he’s content with what he’s done,” he said. “He’s won everything, Conah Walker still wants to prove it and do it. If Sam came back what would it be? A down-the-bill six rounder against a fast kid in two years time.”

Despite the many wars that have studded Eggington’s career, Pegg stressed he retires in good health and undamaged. “As well as the usual medicals, he’s had two neuropsychology tests and passed them with flying colours.

“I don’t know if he’ll go into training – Sam’s said it’s something he doesn’t think he can do. We’re trying to set-up some strength and conditioning PT classes for him.

“After the loss, Sam told me, ‘I’m gutted I lost, but I’m also relieved I never have to do a training camp again’. Sam trained like a monster for the Walker fight.”

I’m not sure the public truly realised what they’d got in Eggington, he deserved much more praise and bigger national headlines.

One thing is undoubtedly true. Fighting men such as Sam emerge once in a blue moon. We’re going to miss him.