Sam Eggington signs deal with Matchroom

Stourbridge's Sam Eggington looks to be staying in the big time of British boxing after signing a promotional deal with Matchroom.

Big fights - Matchroom's new signing Sam Eggington talks about his future and welterweight rivals Frankie Gavin and Bradley Skeete.

The Midlands welterweight champion is closing in on a shot at the British title, after winning an eliminator by stoppage over Denton Vassell earlier this month.

And now the 20-year-old will have the might of Barry Hearn's company behind him, after putting pen to paper on a contract that brings him permanently under their banner.

'The Savage' has next been pencilled in for an eight-rounder in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the undercard of Birmingham-born Matthew Macklin's next contest on November 15.

Matchroom are mulling over putting on a big show in the West Midlands early next year, too, where Eggington would again feature with the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham mooted as a venue.

Stourbridge's Sam Eggington with Matchroom Boxing promoters Barry Hearn (left) and his son Eddie.

It's exciting times for 'Sam the Man,' who went to London to confirm his terms with Hearn and his son Eddie, head of boxing operations.

Eggington, who will be continue to be trained by Jon Pegg in Birmingham, said: "I have spoken in detail about the future with Barry and Eddie and we have a plan.

"I have spoken to Barry a lot recently and it's nice of him to take an interest in me, as he's not that involved with the boxing now that Eddie is doing such a great job.

"It's all good news, I am determined to progress as a fighter now and I am happy to be a part of such a great team."

Thanks to sponsors UK Block Paving in Redditch, Eggington was able to train full-time for the Vassell fight, which was televised live on Sky Sports at the Manchester Arena.

The end is nigh - Vassell went down fighting with his defences completely gone as Eggington forced the finish in the eighth.

He battered Vassell into submission come the eighth round of a scheduled 10 after a blistering brawl, upsetting a former Commonwealth champion in the process.

That puts British boss Frankie Gavin, from Birmingham, in his sights although he may again chase a European title shot, with Leonard Bundu set to vacate.

That could open the door for a contest between Eggington and Bradley Skeete, the English title holder, for the then-vacant Lonsdale belt.

Eggington said: "I wouldn't duck Frankie, but I can't see that happening anyime soon. I would rather have someone else, but I can't say no to big title fights.

"I would beat Skeete, I am absolutely sure of that, and I have wanted him for a long time. I was supposed to challenge him for the English last year.

"That's why I am with Matchroom, they are talking about some really big fights. I have boxed on their shows three times in a row now and have loved it.

"No disrespect to anyone, but I would probably struggled to get motivated for the smaller halls now."