Barry Hearn has big plans for Sam Eggington

Famed promoter Barry Hearn today confirmed his company, Matchroom Boxing, will stage a Sky Sports televised bill in Birmingham, possibly as early as March.

Midlands welterweight champion Eggington and exciting Brummie super flyweight Kal Yafai will figure on the card with the National Indoor Arena a possible venue, writes Craig Birch.

Eggington signed with Hearn last month, after a thrilling eighth round stoppage of former Commonwealth title holder Denton Vassell under their banner in September.

Matchroom have high hopes for the game 21-year-old, who steps through the ropes with veteran Frenchman Sebastien Allais in Dublin tomorrow night.

'The Savage' has been likened to a young Carl Froch by Hearn, who has managed five British world champions over 27 years in the sport.

He said: "I like this kid a lot, I even see a little bit of Carl Froch in him. He will get his chance to reach that level, that's our job.

"He's got to work harder than he ever has done before, but I see a lot of talent in this boy. As a fighter, he has got something a bit special about him.

"I think we have got him at the right time, where we can stop him from burning out. He's had 14 fights and he's only 21.

"It won't be long and there's no rush with him, he's got plenty of time to learn his craft properly."

Eggington could get a shot at national title when big-time boxing comes to Birmingham again, with Hearn adding: "That show will give Sam a showcase and it will be a big fight for him."

'Sam the Man' will be looking to put on a show for Hearn and the Sky cameras tonight against Allais, 33, who has won more than half of his 30 pro contests.

He won't be the underdog this time, with the European visitor the one expected to fall at the 3Arena, but Hearn is expecting him to be just as clinical.

He said: "We stuck him in at the deep end with Denton Vassell and he did what I thought he would do, came through a tough test and got the job done.

"As you get older in life, you look at young sportsmen and have seen those that have achieved their dreams, as well as the ones who have made mistakes. That's really motivating for me.

"You don't get excited with this people, he has got to keep his feet on the ground. You are only ever one punch away from a disaster, so you can't be complacent."