Stourbridge's Midlands title rivals square up

Pearce defends his newly-won belt against his local adversary at the Venue on Friday May 3 in a 10-round contest that could divide opinions in the town.

The champion made his name by putting away co-challenger Luke Gallear, from Derby, on four days notice in a five-round brawl at Burton Town Hall last month.

'Fierce Pearce,' 28, has nearly nine years on Eggington but only three fights more pro experience, although he was next in line for the Midlands title shot that came early.

Walsall's Joel Ryan pulled out of the Gallear fight with a chest infection and then stepped aside rather than face Pearce, which opened the door for Eggington.

Having made the situation pay for him, Pearce is in no mood to be pegged back, particularly with local bragging rights on the line.

He said: "It's going to be some fight. We're both game fighters who enjoy a tear up and we're both really hungry for success.

"I want to keep my title and move on to bigger and better things and Sam wants to win the title to push on, too. It's going to be a war.

"I'm not a fighter who wants to be spoon fed. I'm a champion and I think that you should fight whoever is put in front of you. That's what champions do.

"Are there easier fights out there for me than Sam Eggington? Yes, of course there are. At the moment, I can't see a better lad to go up against than Sam.

"Sam has never gone past four rounds, so this is a step up for him. He's never faced someone with my power and work-rate either. I won't be letting my title go.

"I have a lot of respect for him. We're mates outside the ring but we will be enemies in it.

"We will both go at it from the start and the fans will be in for a treat. I can't wait."

Eggington may have had just five professional fights but boasts a superior amateur pedigree, winning Clubs for Young People and ABA Novice national titles.

The 19-year-old scored a clean knockout over Newark-based Czech Vaclav Skromach in his last pro contest and always planned to go for the Midlands title.

He said: "I can't wait for it. I'm glad I have got the opportunity. The Midlands title has always been a part of my plans as I move up through the rankings.

"It's come a bit sooner than I thought, but you have to take these opportunities when they come around. I'll be more than ready for this fight, I'm a fighter.

"I'm not scared to lose. I'm game and I'm willing to fight anyone."

Both boxers competed in January's Prizefighter at Wolverhampton Civic Hall and lost their undefeated records, Pearce stopped against eventual winner Glenn Foot.

Eggington battled admirably against a fierce onslaught from finalist Dale Evans and believes that night has proved who has the punching power to end the fight early.

He said: "I have never been stopped and never taken an eight-count, not even as an amateur. With respect to Pearce, he was stopped at Prizefighter. He can be stopped.

"I have got no plans of hitting the deck but I have plans for Pearce to hit the deck, so we will see what happens. I'm confident I have got what it takes to beat him."

Tickets are priced at £30 for unreserved seating and £60 at ringside, which includes a three-course meal. They are available from the Venue Box Office on 01384 453 101.