1:00pm Thursday 13th December 2012
SAM Eggington says the lazy days are very much behind him as he continues to build his boxing resume.
The Stourbridge welterweight, who at 19 is one of the country’s youngest professionals, is unbeaten since taking the bold decision to switch from the amateur ranks earlier this year.
Eggington, pictured, has chalked up three points wins including an impressive debut victory over Leon Findlay in Swansea.
Now the former Warley ABC star is hoping to make waves on the small screen after being touted as a possible competitor on Prizefighter, when it returns to the Civic Hall on January 19.
That would represent a huge opportunity for a fighter who says he has found new resolve since making the switch to professional.
He said: “I really enjoy the training now, which I think a few people have found surprising.
“As an amateur I messed about a bit and I never took the training seriously.
“You simply can’t do that in the pros if you want to make a career out if it.
“I do quite a bit of road work now and I’ve all the motivation in the world.”
Eggington credits Birmingham-based trainer Jon Pegg, who is also his manager, for the turnaround.
At Pegg’s gym, he trains alongside popular Birmingham fighters Max Maxwell and Terry Carruthers, while he also visited Manchester to spar with Denton Vassell ahead of his recent Commonwealth title defence against Ronnie Heffron.
Despite this, he retains a relatively small fanbase meaning he gets little choice on where he fights — hence the Swansea debut — though Eggington says he will take any road possible to the top.
He said: “I’m not a big ticket seller and never have been.
“That makes it tough as you are less likely to be the home fighter.
“But I don’t mind who I fight. If you think you can box you should be able to go anywhere.”
He added: “I know my decision to turn pro so young surprised a few people.
“There were those saying I should stay at amateur level for longer and keep building my reputation there.
“But I honestly think I am better off.
“My heart wasn’t really in the amateur game anymore and if I’d stayed I’d have only made my record worse.
“I don’t think it matters how old you are.”
© Copyright 2001-2013 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk
http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/trade_directory/