Promoter Mick Hennessy has announced that former British champions Sam Eggington and Ashley Theophane will clash in a 12-round contest on December 11.
The fight will take place at the Fly By Nite purpose-built TV production facility in Redditch and be broadcast free-to-air on Channel 5 in the UK.
Last seen in a fight of the year contender against Ted Cheeseman in August, Birmingham 154-pounder Eggington (28-7-0 17 KOs) epitomises the term ‘warrior’ and his presence should guarantee another tear-up with former WBA title challenger and British 140lbs champ Theophane,
“I’m still just 27 and I’ve accomplished so much in under 10 years as a pro, but the world title is the one thing that’s missing and I desperately want that more than anything else,” said Eggington. “Winning this fight is absolutely crucial to me and my future so there’s no ifs or buts, I have to win, full stop.
“I’m coming off the Cheeseman fight that I don’t believe I lost, I one hundred percent won that fight and the scoring was dreadful with everything hedging towards him. I’m now focused on Theophane who’s a good name. He knows the game inside out and he’s experienced and well-travelled, we’re both solid pros and know what’s on the line.
“He’ll want to win bad and so do I, I’m not planning on it going the 12 rounds, I’ll be getting him out of there inside that.”
Paddington’s Theophane (a claimed 50-8-1, 19 KOs) has fought worldwide and made the most of his 17-year career after a successful stint with Floyd Mayweather’s ‘Money Team’ in Las Vegas. In his last fight, the Londoner widely outpointed former IBF 154lbs champion Kassim Ouma in Denmark in October 2019.
“Sam is very physically strong. He’s not afraid to go into enemy territory so that says a lot about his character. A weakness is that maybe he’s too brave for his own good,” said Theophane.
“Fights with Josh Kelly and Conor Benn never materialised for me and I believe that Sam is probably tougher opposition than them. He’s young, experienced and a former British, Commonwealth and European champion.
“I’ve watched him once when he fought [Paulie] Malignaggi. That was an impressive win over a former world champion. He’s been stopped twice so it’s possible I can do that too. I believe it’s a great fight. Youth versus experience, it’s a 50-50 fight.
“At this stage in my career. I’ve done everything except win the world title. I’ve beaten world champions, fought at the MGM Grand. I’ve headlined in Las Vegas. I’ve fought and won in 12 countries on my two-year world tour to achieve my 50 wins. I’m content. Right now. I’ll take it one fight at a time.
“I’m training for the win. That is my aim to achieve my 51st win in my 60th professional fight.”